Australia's Favorite White Humpback Makes A Rare Appearance

What is so special about Migaloo?

Migaloo is special because he is the first documented all white humpback whale. He is all white because he has a skin condition call albinism also known as albino a person or animal having a congenital absence of pigment in the skin and hair (which are white) and the eyes (which are usually pink).

Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia.

Migaloo was given the name of 'White Fella' in the indigenous Australian language. He became an instant local darling and He was as immediately elevated to the status of 'special interest whale'. This meads boats and jet-skis have to keep a distance of at least 500 meters, while airplanes have to be more than 2,000 meters away from the mammal. Anybody caught violating this rule is subject to a fine exceeding $12,500 AUD.  Migaloo's fans have also built several websites dedicated to his every move and even set up an active Facebook page and Twitter account in his honor. That fact that he has fans is another reason why he is so special.

Why is Migaloo known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback? Is he the only one?

Because he is lighter than other whale that is why they call him 'hypo-pigmented'. I don't think that he is the only one because I think that there will be more than humpback whale with albinism the skin condition. Plus in September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family reported seeing a white calf amongst a pod of migrating whales

Critical Thinking Challenge:

Do you think Migaloo's special color helps or hurts him from human predators? Why

I think that he has more protection than other humpback whales because of his colour like they are made boats and jet-skis have to keep a distance of at least 500 meters, while airplanes have to be more than 2,000 meters away from the mammal. Anybody caught violating this rule is subject to a fine exceeding $12,500 AUD. Over the years, Migaloo's fans have also built several websites dedicated to his every move and even set up an active Facebook page and Twitter account in his honor.