Bad news for a month old humpback whale calf near Sydney, as it has been separated from its mother. It is in the Pittwater area and is attempting to suckle whale-sized boats in a desparate attempt to find food. A typical whale calf would apparently need 230 litres of milk a day, and this one may not have fed for 5 days.
The authorities tried luring it out to sea in the hope that it’s mother might be looking for it, or that it might be adopted by another lactating whale, but it swam back inshore the following morning.
Vets are assessing what the chances are of the calf surviving, but it may be necessary to put it down, which would be a bit of a shock for Australia which is a staunch opponent of whaling. (Rumours that a Japanese “research” vessel has offered to lend a hand putting the whale down are grossly exaggerated!)
The whales migrate from the Antarctic feeding grounds to tropical waters to breed, and are often seen near Sydney.
You can read more in the Sydney Morning Herald, or there’s a video on the BBC.
