A trio of humpback whales - usually bound for Antarctica this time of year - took a wrong turn, heading up a crocodile-infested river with scientists hoping Saturday they will all return to the sea safely.
Although whales are sometimes seen off the Northern Territory coast, it is believed to be the first time one has been spotted in the tropical rivers of the huge world heritage-listed nature reserve, he said.
Park authorities have set up a partial exclusion zone to protect unwitting boaters and any remaining whales, which can grow up to 16 metres long and weigh 30 tonnes. "The last thing we want is a collision between a boat and whale in waters where crocodiles are prevalent and visibility underwater is zero," Parks Australia said.Although in prime croc country, the saltwater reptiles did not pose a major threat to humpbacks due to their size, Mr Moyle said.The bigger issue was if a whale became stranded, with a dangerous rescue in remote country making it hard to reach before the animal became"croc bait", he said.
"What we want to happen is, we get up in the helicopter tomorrow and then we see them waving goodbye."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boaties banned from Kakadu river after 'unusual' appearance of whalesKakadu National Park staff have monitored there humpback whales since they arrived early in the week and just one whale remains in the river.
Read more »
'It's just amazing': Humpback whales in Kakadu river stuns expertsScientists are concerned for the welfare of a humpback whale sighted upriver in the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park. It's the first time the species has been recorded in the area.
Read more »
At least three arrested, as police outweigh anti-lockdown protesters in MelbourneAt least three people have been detained by police and others have been told to move on during a peaceful COVID-19 anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne.
Read more »
Queensland records three new cases of coronavirusThe Queensland Premier says the state's three new coronavirus cases are all contacts of previously confirmed infections and are in quarantine.
Read more »
How three Australian women found ways to put their health first during lockdown'I think women should be focusing first and foremost on their mental health. Now’s the time to shift that focus and to not be afraid to be selfish.'
Read more »
Half a million people told to flee Oregon as wildfires rage across three US statesAt least 24 people have been killed in the wildifires that erupted in August, with authorities in the hard-hit state of Oregon saying they were prepared for possible 'mass casualty incidents'.
Read more »