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Happy Feet - The lesser known footprint of the Southern Right Whale

Expert Image
mary in South Africa,, Wildlife,,
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:35pm
Tags: southern right whale,, whale footprint,

Gansbaai is just over 2 hours drive from Cape Town, midway between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas. The landscape is varied and nothing short of spectacular – think dramatic overhanging cliffs contrasted against white sandy beaches, and 1000-year old Milkwood forests.

Although this untamed coastline has long been the focus of nature documentary filmmakers, marine biologists and intrepid tourists seeking adventure in the Great White Capital of the world; don't be fooled into thinking this is all that Gansbaai has to offer.

The Marine Big Fiveincludes Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and Dolphins, all of which can be seen in and around this area with an abundance of activity localised to Dyer Island – easily accessible with one of the tour operators in the area.  

Where's Wally?

Where's Wally?

After moving to Cape Town barely a month ago, I finally managed to see my first whale a few days ago.

The Right Whale for Whale Watching

While you’re never guaranteed to see these majestic creatures, the months of June/July through December is prime whale watchingseason. Although they do grow larger, the average adult size of these whales is about 15 metres. They filter feeders sieving copepods (tiny planktonic organisms) from the water using huge baleen plates, which hang from the roof of their mouth.  They use our warmer waters and sheltered bays to calf as well as mate. When they are not here in South Africa, they are in the Antarctic making use of their rich summer feeding grounds.

Right Whales were so named because early whalers considered them the “right” whale for hunting. They are slow moving, stay close to shore, yield large amounts of valuable blubber and float when dead. Once close to extinction they are now protected and with their numbers slowly recovering (Southern African population is estimated at about 3000), this is the right whale to watch.

As you can’t really appreciate their true size and beauty until you’ve seen these magnificent animals up close, I was happy that our experienced whale spotter saw one shortly into our boat trip. As our captain steered us in the right direction, I soon had my chance to watch a whale in its natural habitat. 

We had several opportunities to view the “footprint” of this whale, a natural phenomenon I hadn’t heard of. Whale footprintsare caused when a whale dives, using up and down thrusts with its tail. The tail movement cause water to be pushed up to the surface forming round, calm areas or slick spots. If you are following or observing a whale for a period of time, you will hopefully be able to track a series of footprints, marking the path the whale is taking underwater.  

Whale Footprint

Whale Footprint

The Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates its 20th year as the only Enviro-Arts Festival in South Africa. 16 permits have been issued countrywide to ensure regulation of the whale watching industry and minimum intrusion on these friendly mammals. Taking place from the 30thSeptember to the 04thOctober 2011, enjoy the company of marine enthusiasts at this whale friendly event.

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Recent Comments

  • 1: 

    Hi Mary, thanks for the breakdown! It’s always great to know the differences between the whales and sharks in the southern Cape waters - there are so many so it’s always good to know when you’re on a boating trip!

    Also, the whole whale tail footprint is quite fascinating - thanks for sharing smile

    Professional Expert
    kimberoo
    September 22nd, 2011 at 1:50pm

  • 2: 

    Very interesting, thank you Mary.

    Professional Expert
    ashley
    September 23rd, 2011 at 3:44pm

  • 3: 

    So happy I was there to witness your first whale sighting! A momentous occasion. And that whale footprint was so awesome to see - a first for me too grin

    Awesome write up and interesting read!

    Professional
    tamsin
    October 17th, 2011 at 2:44pm

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