This archive report was first published on 23 August 2020.
Humpback Whales Migrate to Kilifi Coastline ¶
Published on August 23, 2020, a phenomenal spectacle involving migrating humpback whales is currently taking place just off the coast of Watamu in Kilifi County.
According to Tourism CS Najib Balala, the gentle giants travel over 5,000km from the Antarctica to reach the Kenyan coast, where they calve and mate in warmer climates.
CS Balala pointed out that this migration coincides with the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, highlighting the unique opportunity for tourists to witness two major migrations in Kenya every year.
He urged hotel owners to consider lowering their rates to attract more visitors and boost income for the local communities.
Footage has emerged showing the humpback whales 'breaching' - propelling themselves above the water and then splashing back down. Scientists believe this may be a way for the whales to splash off parasites, but it could also be a fun activity.
The humpback whales seen in Kilifi average 40 tonnes in weight, with their newborns weighing as much as 1 tonne.
These gentle giants are known for their haunting songs, which are complex sequences of moans, howls, and cries that often continue for hours, according to the National Geographic.
Only male whales sing, leading scientists to theorize that trying to attract potential mates could be the motivation behind males showcasing their vocal prowess.
They mostly dine on small fish, krill, and plankton, using their baleens to filter the water and their blowholes to expel it.
Over the years, the humpback whales have developed an ingenious feeding method called bubble-netting, where they exhale bubbles to confine prey in a small area.
During CS Balala's whale watching expedition, he was fortunate to spot a mother and its calf heading back to the deep blue sea.
Hotel owners along the Kilifi coastline revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic had forced them to re-think their business, but they also affirmed that there has been a steady rise in the number of local tourists over the last month.
