A remarkable white humpback whale, recently recognized as Australia’s second albino whale, is capturing attention and raising concerns about its health and unusual journey. This unique creature, affectionately known as “Siale,” is defying typical migration patterns and sparking curiosity among marine enthusiasts and experts alike.

In a surprising twist, while most humpback whales venture thousands of kilometers southward toward Antarctica to feed, Siale is heading north. Observers have noted that the whale’s 10-meter-long body appears noticeably thin, which has added to the worry surrounding her well-being.

Pip Jacobs, a spokesperson for the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA), has acknowledged that Siale seems to have lost body condition. Despite this, Jacobs emphasized the difficulty in making definitive assessments about Siale’s health solely from the available footage and information.

Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) spokesperson Pip Jacobs confirmed Siale had lost body condition.

“Based on the current information and footage we have of Siale, we can’t draw any conclusions about her health,” she said.

“It’s unusual to see a humpback whale travelling north at this time of year.

“We’re hopeful Siale will soon turn south as well, where she can feed and rebuild her strength and condition ahead of next year’s migration.”

Jacobs urged anyone who spots her to share footage, which can help experts get a better understanding of her health and movements. 

Humpback whales will return to warmer waters on the East Coast between April to November.

ORRCA was able to confirm Siale’s albinism late last week due to her red eyes and total lack of pigmentation.

“True albinism in humpback whales is extraordinarily rare, occurring in only about one in 40,000 births,” the organisation said.

“The only other confirmed albino humpback on the Australian east coast is Migaloo, making this identification a truly historic moment.”

Migaloo, an albino adult male first spotted in Byron Bay in 1991, has not been seen since the last sighting off Port Macquarie in June 2020.

ORRCA, with the help of Whale Discoveries, was able to identify Siale as a female calf first documented in Tonga.

Experts used previous and current footage to analyse her tail, which is unique to each whale, similar to a human fingerprint. 

Due to special legislation, white whales have an exclusion zone of at least 500m for swimmers, surfers and vessels and 100m for drones.