Omura’s whale spotted in Thailand’s Surin Islands for first time

[snoop1130]

 

A sightseeing trip in Thailand’s Surin Islands took an unexpected turn when tourists spotted a rare Omura’s whale, a species only identified in the wild eight years ago. The sighting was confirmed by the national park officers at Mu Ko Surin National Park through an online post on Thursday, October 26.

 

The online post featured a video of the whale making an appearance above the water, to the delight of the Thai boat crew who cheered in excitement. The officers revealed that it was the first time an Omura’s whale had been seen in the national park’s waters.

 

The Omura’s whale is strikingly similar to the Bryde’s whale and is a protected species in Thailand. These whales can grow up to 20 metres in length and weigh up to 20 tonnes.

 

They are usually sighted alone or in pairs, grouping only for feeding purposes. The whales have been observed lunge-feeding on krill and small fish.

 

Habitually found in tropical to warm regions, Omura’s whales are predominantly spotted in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. However, sightings have also been confirmed in Thai waters, extending from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Songkhla in the Gulf of Thailand.

 

They have even been seen along the Andaman coast, with a group of four previously photographed near the Racha islands, south of Phuket.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo: Nawa Bintea / Mu Ko Surin National Park

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-30

 

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[747man]

Misleading Headline that in'it ??

 

Omura’s whale spotted in Thailand’s Surin Islands for first time

[nobodysfriend]

Omura’s whale spotted in Thailand’s Surin Islands for first time

 

... and where was Omura ?

Was he spotted  , too  ?

[save the frogs]

why was Omura allowed to keep a whale as a pet?

is that even legal?

[sirineou]

I am sure Omura is relieved, and now should take down all of these "Have you seen my whale" posters pe taped on every light pole.

Frankly that picture looked nothing like a whale.