September 19, 2024, 2:07 am
BREAKING NEWS
Oldest Known Humpback Whale Defies Odds: The Remarkable Survival of ‘Old Timer
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- Update Time : Sunday, August 25, 2024
A humpback whale’s tail, or fluke, is as unique as a fingerprint, with each whale sporting distinct black-and-white patterns. When Dr. Adam A. Pack, a marine researcher at the University of Hawai’i, spotted a familiar fluke in Alaska’s Frederick Sound, he realized he was seeing an old friend—literally. The fluke belonged to “Old Timer,” a humpback whale first identified in 1972. Now, at 53 years old, “Old Timer” holds the title of the world’s oldest known humpback whale.
A Testament to Resilience
Humpback whale populations, once decimated by commercial whaling, have made a strong comeback in recent decades. However, they still face significant threats, including ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change. Dr. Pack last saw “Old Timer” in 2015 during a severe, prolonged heatwave that claimed the lives of many marine creatures. Seeing the whale again after nine years was heartwarming for Dr. Pack, who noted that not all old whales succumb to harsh conditions—some, like “Old Timer,” are incredibly resilient.
Eyes in the Sky: Tracking Whales with AI
Traditionally, scientists have tracked whales by comparing photos of their flukes. However, new advancements in artificial intelligence are expected to accelerate this research. Dr. Pack hopes that AI will help uncover the secrets of why some whales, like “Old Timer,” can survive in challenging environments.
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