Leighton Beach Whales have received much attention as two mother Southern Right Whales and their new calves have enjoyed the sheltered waters off Perth along with many Humpback Whales. It is important for everyone to remember that all our visiting whales are here to rest and enjoy a peaceful stay, it is a vital part of a successful migration for them and survival for their calf. It is so exciting to have these endangered Southern Right Whales choosing Leighton Beach as their nursery ground for a little while and we hope they stay here for as long as they need. Our family have deliberately avoided the area, although we would love to spend some time with these whales they are currently receiving a lot of attention! The majority of people are all doing the right thing and maintaining a suitable reactionary distance, but there are a few attempting to approach these mothers and their babies far too closely. It is very important to remember that these mothers whales will protect and defend their calves, no one would walk within a few hundred meters of a mother lion and her cubs so a mother whale should be no different.
Please treat these whales with the same respect that we would treat a human mother with her newborn. No one would appreciate having a line of strangers moving through their maternity room, this time of their migration is very sensitive as the mothers have already lost an enormous amount of weight and any excessive activity moving away from approaching vessels or people would prevent rest and have the potential to cause further weight loss and drive the pods out of the area due to constant harassment. If treated with respect and given the room they need these mothers will be very happy at Leighton Beach and will remain for as long as they need. Everyone can then enjoy the company of these beautiful whales and teach our next generation of little humans the importance of treating our wildlife with the same respect we would treat our own family members and in turn both species can enjoy a rewarding experience. Our family will patiently wait should the opportunity arise once these mother whales depart our coastline and we may have the chance to meet in the waters just off Leighton Beach.
Only 5 nautical miles off Leighton Beach we spent our day with the gorgeous Humpback Whales amongst the perfectly still conditions. Our morning was so very peaceful as we met a couple of pods meandering quietly towards Rottnest Island. Our first sighting was of a very dramatic juvenile who heard us approaching and then launched into a huge breach, showing off his exact location as we slowed and made a gentle approach. A little shy, he came over for a quick look before continuing on with his journey towards Rottnest Island as we noticed the local Bottlenose Dolphins arriving on scene to enjoy some morning foraging. Our midday tour was a similar energy level as pods cruised towards Rottnest Island and all was calm but it was our last pod of the day that really stole the show. Four bachelor males surrounded us and for nearly an hour swam so close we felt as though we were in a dance with them as we drifted together in the afternoon sun. It was an interaction we will always treasure and a wonderful reflection of how patience and respect create these most meaningful moments with completely wild whales, memories to last a lifetime.
