Rare Albino Southern Right Whales Spotted Off Western Cape Coast

The serene waters off the Garden Route coast served as an extraordinary stage for an unprecedented marine spectacle observed by local wildlife enthusiast, Michael de Nobrega. Encountering not one, but two elusive and awe-inspiring white southern right whales, he captured a phenomenon that few have witnessed. These marine mammals, traditionally known for their dark hues, flaunted their atypical pearl-white appearance, leaving spectators marveling at their beauty.

De Nobrega, armed with his Mavic 3 Pro Drone equipped with a zoom lens, documented these rarities from the skies while maintaining a respectful distance. Aptly nicknamed 'Snowflake' and 'Snow White,' the dazzling duo was seen gliding through the azure depths near Hartenbos in the Western Cape, a moment De Nobrega describes as both thrilling and humbling.

Though it might seem like an anomaly, the University of Pretoria's Mammal Research Institute explains that southern right whales can exhibit up to six color patterns, with the white coloration occurring in approximately 3.5% of newborn calves along the South African coastline. This pigment variation is a natural but uncommon occurrence.

The Institute's whale unit, under the stewardship of research manager Dr. Els Vermeulen, uses satellite tagging to track the migratory patterns and feeding habits of these marine giants. Worryingly, the research highlights a consistent trend of female southern right whales getting progressively thinner - a poignant reflection of their struggling conditions. Vermeulen emphasized the critical importance of southern right whales as ecological sentinels: their fluctuating numbers can be harbingers of broader oceanic health issues.

Whale populations are not just battling the vestiges of historical whaling but are grappling with contemporary adversaries such as climate change and food scarcity, which are suggested by altered migration patterns and longer calving intervals. Data reveals that while the calving figures have seen a dramatic oscillation since 2014, the uptick in births to over 700 in 2018 and 2023 provides a glimmer of hope for their future.

The chance meeting of Snowflake and Snow White is more than a spectacle; it underlines the imperative for ocean conservation and research. Encounters like De Nobrega's remind us of the ocean's hidden treasures and the duty to protect them for the enjoyment and education of future generations.