And fin-ally: Humpback whale without a tail has experts puzzled

A whale without a tail has been spotted off the coast of New Zealand. The humpback, missing both flukes on its tail which is now tapered like an arrow tip, was seen near Kaikoura, about 100 miles north of Christchurch on the country’s South Island. It is baffling experts who believe it lost the flukes some time ago as the wounds are healed. The creature also appeared relaxed and was moving well, experts said.

It was swimming well and breaching, diving and rolling, as humpback whales typically do.

Mike Morrissey, Department of Conservation ranger

Fiona Wardle, a Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura guide, had also spotted the whale, which she said was “only small” at around seven metres long. Adult humpbacks can grow as long as 15 metres. She thought the whale’s tail may have been damaged by nets or perhaps a propeller strike. The whale is likely to be heading north from Kaikoura, as humpback whales have started their annual migration from summer Antarctic feeding grounds to their winter breeding grounds in the South Pacific.

Every time it has to dive deep it will be an extra burden, which is why we need to be very respectful and not get close to it.

Orca Research Trust founder Dr Ingrid Visser

whale tail