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A humpback whale was stranded in a crocodile-infested river in Australia, after apparently getting confused during the migration.
In a "very unusual" event, three of the animals entered the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park last week.
The animals were first spotted Tuesday, a spokeswoman for the park, located in Australia's Northern Territory, told CNN in a statement.
Since then, park staff have been keeping a close eye on a whale, which appears to be stuck.
The spokeswoman said the other two mammals are believed to have left the area, although rangers cannot be completely sure.
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While scientists cannot say for sure what happened, they believe a "wrong turn" is the most likely explanation, according to the spokeswoman.
An exclusion zone was immediately introduced at the river mouth to a point just under 30 kilometers upstream "for the well-being of the whale and for the safety of people who might have considered going to the area by boat," the park posted. on Facebook on Friday.
https://www.facebook.com/KakaduNationalPark/posts/2067990510002144
The first time a whale gets stuck
"As far as we know, this is the first time this has happened," he said.
"We are monitoring the situation and working with the NT government authorities to collect data on this unusual event, and an expert task force has been established to monitor the whale and prepare plans for intervention if necessary."
“The last thing we want is a collision between a boat and a whale in waters where crocodiles are prevalent.
Underwater visibility is zero.
We also don't want the boats to inadvertently force the whale upstream, "he added.
“The whale is not in danger at the moment and it is not an emergency situation.
The best scenario is that the whale returns to the sea.
Scientists from Kakadu National Park and the NT Government will continue to monitor the whale in the coming days.
"We appreciate that this is a very unusual and exciting event, however our priority at this time is to ensure the safety and well-being of the visitors and the whale."
Three whales were seen for the first time in the river, but experts believe there is only one left.
Most of the water bodies within the park are inhabited by saltwater crocodiles, which are ambush predators, known to attack and kill humans.
Despite their name, they can also be found more than 130 kilometers upstream from the coast in freshwater habitats.
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According to the park's visitor guidelines, crocodiles can remain hidden underwater for long periods of time and can move with great stealth and camouflage.
They are fast acting and have been known to move at speeds of up to 12 meters per second.
Early Monday, park staff met with experts to discuss how best to help the whale if needed.
Carol Palmer, Senior Government Scientist for the NT, said: “The Northern Territory government is working closely with Kakadu National Park staff and traditional owners, as well as other very experienced experts, to see if we hit the whale the best opportunity to return to the sea ».
Feach Moyle, head of Kakadu's country and culture section, said in a statement to CNN: “The whale continues to appear safe and sound, which gives us time to ensure that we evaluate all available options and associated risks.
These options range from minimal intervention while we continue to monitor the whale, to active intervention to try to help the animal out of the river.
“The highest tide of the year will take place in a few weeks, so there is a window of opportunity for you to go out to sea.
We continue to consult with experts and our experienced Park staff to make sure our plans are achievable and safe for both the whale and those involved in the operation, "he added.
"We are also looking for a variety of options to map the river bed to find the deepest channel through which the whale could travel to the sea and we are seeking advice from staff who are most familiar with this river."
Humpback whales live in all of the world's major oceans, according to the International Whaling Commission.
The species is known for its spectacular "surface-active behavior," which can include jumping, fins, and tail flicking, and its complex "song," heard in the breeding grounds of the tropics, the commission says in its website.
Australia's largest national park, Kakadu, is double-listed on the Unesco World Heritage List for its exceptional natural and cultural values, according to the park's website.
It is home to many animal species, including crocodiles and flat-backed turtles.
It also describes itself as a 'living cultural landscape', as its archaeological sites record the skills and lifestyles of indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years.
Whale
