A group of swimmers from the Ocean Culture Life (OCL) charity had a remarkable opportunity when they encountered a rare all-white humpback whale during a trip to Tonga in the South Pacific. This encounter is one of the rarest experiences with the species, making it a memorable moment in their lives.
The research team from OCL participated in a licensed swimming excursion in the waters of Tonga, where they unexpectedly discovered a rare white humpback whale. The whale calf was swimming alongside its mother and another male whale. Such sightings are uncommon, even though humpback whales frequently migrate to the waters of Tonga from July to November each year to breed and mate in the warm environment.
The significance of this encounter lies in the appearance of a white whale – individuals of which are extremely rare. This whale was first spotted in August and is believed to be the first white humpback whale born in the waters of Tonga, near Vava’u Island. The OCL organization has been tracking this mother-calf pair, but sightings of them are very difficult, making this encounter even more special.
The white humpback whale is one of the rarest marine creatures in the world.
Jono Allen, a tour guide and photographer who participated in the trip, described the encounter as an “experience of a lifetime and an indescribable privilege.”
According to wildlife photographer Matt Porteous, Jono Allen managed to establish trust with the mother whale by mirroring its movements underwater. This action seemingly helped Allen gain acceptance from the mother whale, allowing them to interact with the white calf.
Porteous described this silent communication as an “ancient ritual,” creating a bridge of understanding between humans and this massive marine animal. The encounter was not only a moment of physical contact but also a testament to the profound connection between species through subtle interactions.
The rare white whale has been named Mahina, which means “Moon” in Tongan, a fitting name for its bright white skin. However, Mahina’s unique appearance has sparked discussions about its health status. Experts believe Mahina may be suffering from one of two conditions: albinism or leucism, both of which affect body pigmentation.
Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a complete lack of melanin pigmentation, affecting the skin and eyes of the animal. In contrast, leucism only causes partial pigmentation loss. Currently, Mahina is believed to be leucistic because it has black eyes – a characteristic atypical of albino animals, which usually have red or pink eyes. Nevertheless, Mahina’s case has not been conclusively determined, as there are other white whales like Migaloo, famous in Australia, that also have black eyes but are actually albino.
The rate of humpback whales with albinism or leucism is approximately 1 in 10,000.
Most white humpback whales are affected by albinism or leucism, which are genetic disorders that prevent the body from producing enough melanin pigment. According to scientists, the rate of humpback whales with these conditions is only about 1 in 10,000. This means that in a population of thousands of humpback whales, only a few individuals will be white.
While the encounter with Mahina was a wondrous experience, Jono Allen also expressed concerns about the safety of the white calf. Its striking white skin could make it more vulnerable to predators in the ocean.
Allen noted that although the mother whale fiercely protects her calf and the accompanying male whale also aids in protection, Mahina’s unique coloration may be a factor that makes her more susceptible. He shared, “We don’t know if we will ever have the chance to see her again. But I truly hope we have the privilege of seeing Mahina return to Tonga as a fully grown white whale.”
Mahina’s appearance has attracted the attention of the international community, not only due to the rarity of white whales but also because of the underlying ecological and conservation implications. Protecting and monitoring Mahina’s development is not just a scientific task but also an action aimed at preserving biodiversity in the marine environment.
Due to their bright coloration, white humpback whales are more easily detected and attacked by predators. Additionally, they are more susceptible to sun exposure compared to darker individuals.
Encounters like these serve as a reminder that nature is full of wonders, and the conservation and protection of rare marine species like Mahina is a human responsibility. Each encounter with these rare creatures is not only a wondrous experience but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around us.
The encounter with Mahina – the rare white humpback whale – is a testament to the beauty and wonder of nature. However, the protection and maintenance of such rare animals require continuous efforts from scientists, conservation organizations, and the international community. It is hoped that one day soon, Mahina will return to Tonga, no longer as a vulnerable calf but as a symbol of resilience in the marine environment.
