UPDATE: A young humpback whale carcass was discovered on the beach at Mystery Bay, located just 15 kilometers south of Narooma, on August 20, 2023, prompting immediate action by local authorities. The unusual sight quickly attracted the attention of a drone filmmaker known as the ‘Flying Shark Whisperer‘, who captured striking footage of the deceased whale.
The filmmaker reported that he learned about the carcass from a friend earlier that morning. “It’s not really something you get the chance to witness,” he stated. Despite challenging weather conditions, he managed to reach the site and document the scene. He estimated the whale to be approximately 10 meters long and noted minimal damage to its body, suggesting it may have washed ashore quickly.
On-site, the filmmaker anticipated seeing a large number of sharks drawn to the carcass. However, he only spotted a single white pointer shark patrolling the area for about an hour. “I think the whale was buried by the afternoon,” he recalled, indicating that authorities likely took action to remove it to ensure public safety.
Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist and author of “Humpback Highway,” confirmed the situation’s urgency. “What you can see is bloating,” she explained. “We’ve all seen the famous exploding whale on a beach, so authorities need to be notified to make the best decision on how to deal with the carcass.”
With the whale season in full swing, Dr. Pirotta noted that whale deaths are not uncommon in Australian waters. “When there is an opportunity to see an animal like this up close, it’s pretty amazing,” she said, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the massive size of these creatures.
Dr. Pirotta explained that the whale’s estimated age is likely between that of a teenager and an adult. “Its death is a reminder that sometimes nature can be very cruel,” she added, “and it’s not necessarily a lovely thing seeing a deceased whale.” However, she highlighted the scientific value of such events, stating, “Even in death, these animals can serve and provide a great amount of information to the scientific world.”
As this incident unfolds, authorities are likely to conduct further research on the whale to understand better the circumstances surrounding its death and the potential implications for local marine life. This event has sparked interest not only from environmentalists but also from the general public, eager to learn more about the life and death of these majestic creatures.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
