Residents and visitors in Western Australia witnessed an extraordinary natural moment when a 79-foot pygmy blue whale, one of the world’s most elusive and endangered marine mammals, surfaced remarkably close to Busselton Jetty. The rare encounter left locals stunned and marine experts excited, as sightings of this species near shore are extremely uncommon.
The massive whale, despite being classified as a “pygmy,” is still one of the largest animals on Earth. Pygmy blue whales are a subspecies of blue whales and are known for their shy nature and preference for deep offshore waters. Spotting one so close to land is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
The moment was captured on video by onlookers and quickly spread across social media, drawing attention from marine enthusiasts, conservationists, and researchers. Experts believe the whale may have been migrating through the region in search of krill-rich feeding grounds, as Western Australia’s coastline forms part of a known migratory corridor for these giants of the ocean.
Marine biologists say such sightings are encouraging, as pygmy blue whales were once heavily impacted by commercial whaling and remain classified as endangered. Each confirmed appearance helps scientists better understand their movement patterns, population recovery, and habitat use.
Authorities reminded the public to admire marine wildlife responsibly, maintaining safe distances to avoid disturbing the animal. The sighting has also reignited conversations about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems that support rare and vulnerable species.
