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Humpback Whales Found In Crocodile-Infested Australian River, Baffling
Scientists

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Marine experts are planning to rescue humpback whales that
   have been recorded for the first time in crocodile-infested waters in
   the Kakadu national park in tropical northern Australia. It is thought
   the giant sea mammals took a wrong turn during one of nature's most
   epic migrations.

   Thehumpbacks should be starting their long journey to Antarctica from
   breeding grounds off Western Australia's remote north coast. Instead, a
   small group - thought to be two adults and a large juvenile - were
   spotted in the East Alligator river in the Kakadu national park, east
   of Darwin on September 2. It is famous for its world heritage
   Aboriginal rock art andfor itscrocodiles.Neverhave migrating whales
   been recorded in the area.

   Experts believe one of the humpbacks has returned to the sea, and plans
   are being made to coax the others to follow. This could involve using
   the noise from boat engines to gently move them down the river towards
   Van Diemen's Gulf that leads to the open waters of the Timor Sea off
   northern Australia. Whale calls and songs might also be used to try to
   move the humpbacks back into safer waters.Scientists also hope to fit
   satellite tracking devices to the mammals.

   Dr.Carol Palmer, a senior dolphin and whale scientist at the Northern
   Territorygovernment,saysit was extraordinary to see the humpbacks so
   far inland.

   "We went up the East Alligator (river), we were turning around, we went
   up about 30kms and then as we were just moseying on down, what did we
   see the humpback whales. Everyone, including myself, we were justreally
   shocked. It is something that has never been recorded before,"Palmer
   said.

   Tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate up and down Australia's
   east and west coastseach year. This migration from Antarctica begins
   around April, when the giant mammals head north to breed. They start
   heading south in September and November.

   Scientistshavenot yet explainedwhy a small group wanderedso badly
   off-course, ending up in crocodile-infested waters in the Northern
   Territory. Saltwater crocodiles are the world's largest reptiles. They
   are aggressive anddangerous butare thought to pose little danger to the
   whales unless the humpbacks become stranded on a sandbank.

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