Humpy the humpback spotted swimming in circles in Kakadu river, in declining health

A HUMPBACK whale that has recently returned to a croc-inhabited river in Kakadu is in ‘declining’ condition, according to marine wildlife experts.

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A HUMPBACK whale that has recently returned to a croc-inhabited river in Kakadu is in “declining” condition, according to marine wildlife experts.

NT Government scientist Carol Palmer told the ABC that “Humpy” the whale, who was first spotted 20km up the East Alligator River in September, was seen most recently in the same area last week.

“The whale is in the same area around Pt Farwell and swimming a small circle,” she said.

‘Humpy’ the humpback whale returned to the Kakadu river last week. Picture: Dr Carol Palmer

“The day temp was around 40 degrees, sun seriously intense and very hot seawater temp.”

She said the humpback whale had several “old injuries”.

Humpy first spent 17 days up the East Alligator River before heading back out to sea.

The humpback whale leaves the East Alligator River, Kakadu in September. Picture: Park Australia

The humpback whale leaves the East Alligator River, Kakadu in September. Picture: Park Australia

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Dr Palmer said scientists were racing to get a poo sample off the whale to determine whether he was unwell.

“So the fact that this guy’s still in tropical waters – it’s really hot up here – it makes us all feel that there could be something wrong,” she said.

“So, yes, we’d like him to do a poo, please.”

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