Humpback whales make 'wrong turn' into crocodile-infested river in Australia's Kakadu national park

(Guardian UK) A humpback whale has been spotted for the first time in Kakadu’s East Alligator River, and experts are concerned it may get stuck.

It is believed three whales initially entered the river and that one has remained, although it is not clear if the others have actually left or are merely staying underwater.

The unprecedented sighting has stunned locals and authorities, with scientists suggesting the whales may have just made a “wrong turn”.

“It’s never occurred before, we’ve had no records of this in the past. We’ve collaborated with the traditional owners of East Alligator River, and they’ve also never seen humpback whales in any of the alligator rivers,” Dr Carol Palmer, a senior scientist at the NT Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said. ............(more)

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/14/humpback-whales-make-wrong-turn-into-crocodile-infested-river-in-kakadu