Two rare white southern right whales were recently spotted off the coast of Hartenbos in the Western Cape. The whales, known for their stunning white coloring, were captured on camera by Michael de Nobrega, an outdoor enthusiast and photographer.
De Nobrega set out with his camera, anticipating a day of nature photography. He was delighted when he spotted a brilliant white southern right whale, nicknamed “Snowflake,” breaching in the blue waters. De Nobrega was in for a surprise when he discovered a second white whale, dubbed “Snow White.” Initially mistaking it for Snowflake, he soon realized he was witnessing a rare sighting of two distinct white whales. “I was so excited and overjoyed at that moment,” De Nobrega shared.
According to Dr. Els Vermeulen, research manager of the whale unit at the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, approximately 3.5% of newborn calves along the South African coast are born with this rare coloration each year. Vermeulen and her team have started using satellite tags to monitor the migratory patterns of southern right whales, focusing on their feeding destinations.
Researchers have noted a concerning trend among female southern right whales, who are becoming thinner.
‘This trend, coupled with prolonged calving intervals and delayed migrations, points to a lack of energy and food,’ Vermeulen explained. ‘After calving in South Africa, the whales migrate south to the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, where they feed for six months before returning.’
Southern right whales act as ecological indicators, and their rarity highlights significant changes in ocean health. Since 2014, the number of southern right whale calves has fluctuated dramatically. 2016 there was an extreme low, with only 50 calves recorded, whereas 2018 and 2023 saw an all-time high with over 700 calves born.
These fluctuations are linked to lengthening calving intervals, now stretching from the usual three years to four or five years in some cases. Historically hunted by the whaling industry, southern right whales are now protected and recovering. However, they still face significant threats from climate change and dwindling food sources.
For marine enthusiasts like De Nobrega, encountering a white southern right whale remains a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Watch the sighting in the video below:
