This is the moment a rare “pseudo albino” white whale is spotted swimming off the coast of Argentina.
The ‘southern right’ whale (Eubalaena australis) was seen swimming in the waters with another mammal from the same species off the coast of Las Grutas, a beach resort in the eastern Argentinian province of Rio Negro.
Video Credit: CEN/@sebaleal
In the video, the two massive aquatic creatures can be seen swimming, with one of them being almost completely white while the other is black.
Local biologist Magdalena Arias, who spotted the rare whale, explained when they have clear features they are considered “pseudo albinos” and they are “not frequently seen”.
Local authorities told local media that the sighting took place during the season of marine fauna sighting at the San Matias Gulf, which will end in mid-October.
Although the whales have been around the San Matias gulf for two months, the specialist said: “During this period, they can be seen with their offspring and in their mating rituals.”
Arias also told local media: “[The whale] is not completely white and because of the size it is not a baby.”
Sighting specialist, Claudio Barbieri, explained to local media that unlike Peninsula Valdes where more than 1,000 whales were spotted last week, Las Grutas is expected to witness 40 specimens which could reach 16 metres (52 feet) long.
Barbieri also commented: “At all times, animals are respected and the concept of protected natural areas is reinforced in San Antonio Bay.”
He also added that according to biologists, “there are more whales in the area every year.”
In the San Matias Gulf, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and whales, have also been spotted and the area has been described by the Argentinian Ministry of Tourism as “one of the largest diving parks in South America.”
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Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub-Editor: Alex Cope, Agency: Central European News
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