1. What is so special about Migaloo?
Migaloo is a white humpback whale. The people of Australia have given him an aboriginal name. The called him Migaloo which means "White Fella." Migloo was given his own status as "a special interest whale" The means that people can not get too close to Migaloo. Migaloo's skin condition is not seen very often and they still don't know why it is caused or what causes it. They think that it has something to do with a genetic condition. Migaloo is also the first documented white whale. Scientist say that Migaloo is 26 as Migaloo was first notified in 1988. Migaloo is precious because Migaloo is the first documented white whale. They protect him because a white whale is unusual and to have spotted one so close to the coast of Australia. Migaloo has many fans who have created Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. If you go beyond 500 meters within Migaloo you will have a large fine of $12,500 AUD.
2. Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia.
"On the 19th June, a group of animal lovers on a whale watching cruise off of the coast of Sydney, were treated to a rare sight- a pod of whales that included Migaloo, the world first documented white humpback whale."
"Over the years, Migaloo's fans have also built several websites dedicated to his every move and even set up Facebook pages and Twitter account in his honour."
"Even though fans keep their eyes peeled for this white whale every year, they are not always successful in spotting the elusive mammal."
"Migaloo, which means "White Fella" in the indigenous Australian language."
"Not surprisingly he became an instant local darling and was immediately elevated to to the status of "special whale" which means that boast and jet skis have to keep a distance of 500 meters, while aeroplanes have to be more than 2000 meters away from the mammal.
3. Why is Migaloo known as "Hypo-Pigmented" humpback? Is he the only one?
Migaloo is known as the "Hypo-Pigmented" humpback because scientist have been unable to confirm what the cause of Migaloo's colouring. So they call him the "Hypo-Pigmented" humpback whale.
Migaloo is not the only white whale. In September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family spotted a white calf among a migrating pod. They spotted the white whale calf near Cid Harbour, near the coast of North Queensland. Experts think that the two whales are related but given that Migaloo junior has not been since that day, and so they can't confirm it.
Critical Thinking
Do you think that Migaloo's colour helps or hurts him from human predators? Why?
I think that his colouring helps him as if he get harmed or someone gets too close to him they will get a large fine. If they kill him they will get an even larger fine. People will be able to identify him as he is a rare find and the other white whale has not been seen. His colour could also make him more of a target as he will be easier to see and more and more people are attracted to him. He has many fans, but he will also have people that want to harm or kill him. His popularity has it's disadvantages and it's advantages.
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