Queensland’s new Humpback calf is another precious member of this ever growing population as the little one travelled happily alongside mum today. A steady breeze ruffled the waters surface and although a few pods were sighted they were mostly resting and making the most of the relaxing morning. A mother Humpback Whale surfaced and swimming right alongside her was a tiny calf no more than a few weeks old. Already carrying a few scars we could see that it might have been a slightly challenging start for the youngster. Humpback Whales will carry barnacles and due to the close contact between a mother and her calf it is very easy for those barnacles to scratch the skin. It will heal quickly but leaves behind distinctive scars with some calves carrying more scars than others calves.
One of the reasons for this can be when a female Humpback is approached by bachelor males and a competition pod ensues. The close contact of the males and mother whale moving her calf onto her back and along her pectoral fins can cause scars easily. Looking at some damage to the fluke of this young calf it does appear that the little one may have had an encounter with either Orca or rope/line as there are a few scars especially around the peduncle and fluke which have not been caused by barnacles. Thankfully for the little one all was healing well and both mother and calf were relaxed and looking for a suitable spot to rest for the morning ahead. Wishing them well we made our way back towards the lovely Gold Coast Broadwater as the skyline of Surfers Paradise made for beautiful views for our return journey.
