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AN extremely rare white killer whale has been caught on camera as scientists believe the beast has a “glowing mutation”.
The real-life Moby Dick – dubbed Frosty due to its snow-white flesh – was spotted on Monday off Newport Beach in California, US.
Credit: Delaney Trowbridge/Newport Coastal Adventure via Pen News
Credit: Delaney Trowbridge/Newport Coastal Adventure via Pen News
Credit: Ryan Lawler/Newport Coastal Adventure via Pen News
Credit: Delaney Trowbridge/Newport Coastal Adventure via Pen NewsThe Crew of the Catallac, a whale-watching vessel operated by Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing, captured the once-in-a-lifetime interaction nine miles offshore.
The incredible footage shows the ghostly whale swimming with a pod of roughly seven orcas and chewing on an unknown animal.
The crew said that killer whale sightings are rare and they were thrilled about the “special encounter” with the four-year-old calf.
Captain Dani Fasser said: “We got extremely lucky, and were able to locate a pod of at least five to seven orcas, one of which was a four-year-old calf named Frosty, after its milky-white appearance.
“The passengers watched in awe as the killer whales cruised right underneath the boat!
“The orcas were feeding on a beach-ball sized chunk of an unknown animal – likely a dolphin or small whale, and were passing it back and forth feeding together.
“Sightings of killer whales are few and far between along the southern California coastline, so it was a very special encounter.”
The orca, which resembles the white beast from Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby Dick, could be one of only ten ever recorded in history.
The animal may be seen diving and emerging again, with its body colour standing out sharply against that of its companions.
The unusual appearance could be explained by a genetic condition which have likely caused a loss of colour and resulted in the creature’s milky complexion.
Jessica Roame, education manager with Davey’s Locker & Newport Landing, said: “It is suspected that this orca may have a rare genetic disease called leucism, a condition that results in partial loss of pigmentation.
“This causes white, pale, or patchy colouration of skin, hair, feathers, or scales, but not the eyes.
“It’s extremely rare – information I’ve read suggests that scientists have documented only about 10 white orcas recorded in history.
“Because there are so few white killer whales, there isn’t a lot of information known about their specific genetic condition.”
The genetic condition also gives the orca a glowing mutation which makes it easier to spot underwater.
Jessica added: “Frosty’s white colouration is so striking in person that it produces a beautiful green glow underwater.
“So you can still see this whale easily as it swims beneath the surface.”
Jessica was over the moon about her experience with the animal which she described as “breathtaking”.
She said: “When Captain Fasser first noticed the bushy blows out of the corner of her eye, she thought, ummm, that’s not a dolphin spout, or a baleen whale spout.
“As she focused her binoculars on the spouts from the killer whales, she knew exactly what she was looking at and exclaimed ‘oh my god! It’s finally happening’.
“Being in the presence of such powerful and beautiful animals is something that is unexplainable, and literally takes your breath away.
“I know many people will walk away from this experience with so much gratitude in their hearts for the wonders of the ocean.”
MOST SAVAGE KILLER WHALE ATTACKS
KILLER whales, despite their name, have been involved in very few recorded attacks on humans - at least in the wild.
But when held in captivity, the majestic creatures can turn violent or even deadly.
On April 20, 1971, SeaWorld PR secretary Annette Eckis was supposed to ride an orca in a bikini for a publicity stunt.
But after a few moments, Annette slid off the creature’s back and Shamu seized her leg in her jaws.
She swam around the tank, dragging the screaming woman with her and refusing to release her.
Kasatka, a 30-year-old orca, was said to have been agitated by hearing her calf call out when she yanked Ken Peters and pulled him underwater at the attraction in San Diego, California.
The trainer was held underwater twice by the 5,000lb beast as it grabbed his foot and dived down for less than a minute each time.
Kasatka eventually let him go but he suffered a broken foot and puncture wounds.
The body of 27-year-old Daniel Dukes was discovered covered in scratches and bruises, draped over Tilikum, the largest killer whale in captivity.
Dukes had suffered hypothermia and drowned after he had stayed in the park past opening hours.
It is still uncertain whether he jumped, fell or was pulled by Tilikum into the huge tank.
Dawn Brancheau, 40, a veteran animal trainer, had always dreamed of working at SeaWorld Florida.
But on February 24, 2010, she was tragically killed by an orca in front of horrified tourists.
SeaWorld said that Tilikum, a 26-year-old male, grabbed her by the upper arm, tossed her around in his mouth and pulled her beneath the water
English (US)