March 18, 2009 -- A humpback whale has been spotted in Hong Kong waters, a government spokesman said Wednesday, in the first reported sighting of the giant mammal off the southern Chinese city. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it received a report on Monday that a 33-foot whale was seen swimming in the East Lamma Channel, a busy sea channel to the west of Hong Kong Island . "It is the first time we have seen a humpback whale in Hong Kong waters," the spokeswoman said. The department has been monitoring the condition of the whale, along with the Marine Police and experts from Ocean Park, a city theme park and conservation center. Related Content:
"From our observations so far, its health condition is normal and it is active," she said. The spokeswoman said it was unlikely the whale would stay long in waters near the city because of the busy sea traffic that flows to and from the major port. Humpbacks are found in oceans and seas around the world, but especially in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.Related Links: Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
advertisement
Put Discovery News on Your Site!
|
