Playful September Humpback Whales were making the most of some social fun today as the enormous adults gathered to mingle and play in the waters off Fremantle. Onboard both our morning and midday tour we observed very playful whales and it was good to see them enjoying their time in the resting grounds after what has been a very long journey with still a long way to go before they reach Antarctica. To spend time in these waters off Fremantle is not only a chance to rest and refresh but with so many other whales constantly arriving in the sighting grounds it is a perfect place to find some new friends to hangout with and socialise. Pec slapping from our morning pod was an example of how they will attempt to attract attention towards themselves while the second pod was joined by a third whale which caused a quick commotion.
The arrival of this newcomer meant the older whale had to establish dominance with some powerful tail lobs and inverted tail slapping. Our midday tour was made extra special thanks to the Bottlenose Dolphins coming in to say hello and one amazed us as they were completely missing their dorsal fin. Likely from a previous shark attack, we were relived to see this dolphin happy and healthy. The second pod of Bottlenose Dolphins had a visitor, a beautiful Common Dolphin travelling with them who we suspect was the same individual we observed about a week back now. Our team will continue to monitor this interesting dynamic as the Common Dolphin spends time with these Bottlenose Dolphins. Socialising with the Humpback Whales and having a great old time it was a lovely way to complete another special day with the Playful September Humpback Whales.
