Three humpback whales, a species usually bound for Antarctica at this time of year, got lost in the direction of crocodile infested rivers in northern Australia. Park authorities have put in place an exclusion zone to protect boaters and animals, which can reach 16 meters in length and weigh 30 tonnes.
Three humpback whales, a species usually bound for Antarctica at this time of year, got lost in direction and strayed in crocodile-infested rivers in northern Australia, according to the Department of National Parks.
Two of the cetaceans, first seen in the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park earlier this week, appear to have returned to sea, according to the Australian Parks Service.
But authorities are monitoring at least a third whale that was seen 20 kilometers upstream on Saturday, Kakudu National Park official Feach Moyle told AFP.
"The most plausible explanation is that they were heading south again and heading in the wrong direction."
"Even a big crocodile won't come near"
While whales are occasionally seen off the coast of the Northern Territory, this appears to be the first time one has been seen in the tropical rivers of the huge nature reserve listed as World Heritage by the Unesco, he stressed.
Park authorities have set up an exclusion zone to protect boaters and whales, which can reach 16 meters in length and weigh 30 tonnes.
"We especially do not want a collision between a boat and a whale in waters infested with crocodiles and where we have no visibility in the water," said the department of national parks.
The authorities also fear that the boats will push the cetaceans to go further up the river.
Crocodiles are not a danger to whales because of their size, Feach Moyle said.
"Even a big crocodile won't come near them."
On the other hand, if a cetacean were stranded, it could become prey for crocodiles, as a rescue would take time in this remote territory.