Migaloo the Albino Whale

Unusual As Usual

Migaloo is a humpback whale that was first spotted in 1991 off Byron Bay, Queensland by a group of volunteers conducting a whale count. He was born with Albinism - the absence of any pigmentation or coloration. Researchers estimated that he was born around 1986 making him 5 years old when he was first spotted.

In 2003 Migaloo was struck by a boat full of people eager to get close for photographs, he survived the encounter but it left him with scars across his back. All humpback whales are protected under Australian law, but since this incident there have been additional laws passed so Migaloo and other humpback whales that are more than 90% white are classed as “special management marine mammals” and have an additional exclusion zone around them.

Adopt Migaloo here: https://give.pacificwhale.org/animals/187621

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Fact Analysis: Although careful research is implemented to assure accurate and correct information, sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction (or ‘humbug', as P.T. Barnum would say). If you find any information in this podcast inaccurate, please do let me know via social media.