Excitement arose across Baja California Sur last week with
the sighting of an albino whale in Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
Benito Bermudez, regional director of the National
Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONAN) has since confirmed that it is in
fact believed to be the now mature albino whale that was born in Laguna Ojo del
Liebre in 2009.
This reappearance is hugely exciting as the whale had not
been seen for the last seven years. And not only has it now returned to the waters
of the Baja but it has already given birth. Fortunately the calf is the normal
colour of a grey whale - a good thing as unlike an albino calf, it will be much
less visible to predators.
With only a handful of sightings worldwide, CONANP is hopeful
that the albino wale will return at least every 2-3 years to give birth. Meaning
it could become a regular visitor to the waters.
Benito Bermudez comments that after such a long
disappearance from Baja California Sur the albino whale will be monitored closely
by experts each season.