Two adult female humpback whales, Koala and Kulik, have puzzled researchers this winter by choosing an unexpected migration route. The whales were initially spotted swimming south along the Florida coast but later reappeared near Alabama’s shores in the Gulf of Mexico—a highly unusual destination for humpback whales.
A Migration Route Unlike Any Other
Pregnant female humpbacks typically migrate from the cold waters of New England and Nova Scotia to the warm coastal waters of Florida and Georgia, where they give birth. Occasionally, they are joined by other whales, but Koala and Kulik took an unexpected detour.
🔹 They were spotted near Perdido Pass, close to the Florida-Alabama border, an extremely rare sighting for humpback whales.
🔹 Scientists noted that two adult females migrating together is also unusual, as they usually travel alone.
🔹 Koala is recognizable by a white patch on her head, resembling a koala silhouette, while Kulik has a scar on her back shaped like a marsh bird’s beak.
Disappearance and Unforeseen Reappearance
The last confirmed sighting of Koala and Kulik was on January 12 near Boynton Beach, Florida. After that, they seemingly vanished. Scientists were unsure whether they had rounded the Florida Keys or turned back.
"It’s very unusual to lose track of humpback whales on the East Coast," said Julie Albert from the Blue World Research Institute.
When they were finally spotted near Alabama’s coastline, researchers were taken by surprise. To remain undetected for so long, the whales must have traveled much farther offshore than expected.
Why Does This Matter?
The North Atlantic humpback whale population is endangered, with only about 370 individuals remaining, including just 70 reproductive females.
🔹 Every new calf birth is a crucial event, and seven newborn humpback whales have been recorded this season.
🔹 The Gulf of Mexico poses significant risks, including heavy maritime traffic and a lack of active monitoring for these whales.
In 2020, a humpback whale named Snowflake brought her calf into the Gulf, where it collided twice with small boats in just a few weeks, highlighting the dangers of human activity in the region.
"A collision with a humpback whale can be dangerous for both the vessel and the animal," warns conservation group Oceana. The primary threats to humpbacks remain entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes.
The Mystery of Koala and Kulik
Why Koala and Kulik chose such an unusual path remains a mystery. Their ability to travel undetected serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and fascinating these marine giants are. Despite decades of research, their intelligence and behavior continue to amaze scientists, proving that the ocean still holds many secrets.