Whale, whale ... would you look at that? Humpy the humpback is back in Kakadu river

‘HUMPY’ the whale, who became an international star after swimming up the East Alligator River, has now been seen back in the Kakadu National Park several times

AN NT Government scientist has revealed the whale “Humpy”, which spent two weeks in a Kakadu river, has returned to the national park several times since.

Seasonal migration of humpback whales indicates he should be in Antarctica, leading to speculation about his health.

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A Parks Australia spokeswoman told the NT News that there were reports of whales in the Gulf.

NT Government scientist Dr Carol Palmer has told the ABC that Humpy, who was first spotted 20 kilometres up the East Alligator River in September, was seen most recently at the river mouth earlier this week.

“We know it’s the same one because we do photo identification of dorsal fins,” Dr Palmer said.

The humpback whale, above and below, has been spotted several times since first leaving the East Alligator River in Kakadu. Pictures: Parks Australia

This undated handout photo received on September 12, 2020 from Dr. Carol Palmer at Australia's Northern Territory Government shows a humpback whale swimming in the East Alligator River in the Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. - A trio of humpback whales -- usually bound for Antarctica this time of year -- took a wrong turn, heading up a crocodile-infested river in Australia's tropical north with scientists hoping at least one still remaining in the river will turn back to sea safely on September 12. (Photo by Carol Palmer / NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT / CAROL PALMER " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

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

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.”

Humpy was first spotted in the East Alligator River in September with two companions.

After his near three-week stay, Humpy waved goodbye as he left the river mouth.