Whale Watchers Spot Rare Pygmy Blue in Hauraki Gulf

Passengers aboard the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari on Tuesday, May 29, were amazed when a pygmy blue whale surfaced near their boat in the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari marine research officer Catherine Lea said before two sightings of the pygmy blues in 2017, it had been seven years since their last sighting.

She said the crew aboard the boat were thrilled, explaining to guests that this was “really rare,” Stuff reported.

There is currently insufficient data on pygmy blue whales to fully understand their subspecies. Lea said it is crucial that further research be conducted in order to know more about this “genetically distinct” subspecies. Credit: Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari via Storyful