I've been following the story of the wayward whales here since they made their appearance at the Port of Sacramento two weeks ago.
At times it seemed they would not make it as their health was dwindling. Many attempts to get them to head back to the ocean were met with frustration even as they became a huge spectator attraction.
They hung out at the port, some 90 miles from the ocean, eventually heading back downstream on their own. Finally reaching salt water two days ago they rapidly showed signs of improving health.
Last night they were spotted about 5 miles from the ocean and it was hoped they would proceed on into the ocean. This morning there was no sign of the whales. Boats and helicopters were dispatched to try and find them in San Francisco bay.
I am pleased and excited to announce that at 11:26 this morning they were sited about 1 mile outside of the Golden Gate swimming free in the ocean!
Update: 5/30/07 4:30 pm Well It looks like my message may have been a little premature. It turns out that the whales spotted outside the Golden Gate this morning were Gray Whales instead - BUT the two humpbacks have not been spotted all day and it is believed they headed out to sea over night and have joined a pod of humpbacks which currently are feeding offshore.I will keep following the news and update this article as needed.
Update: 5/31/07 7:30 am There were no sightings of the whales yesterday so it is presumed they have in fact joined the pod of humpbacks currently feeding near the Farallon Islands about 27 miles off shore. Research teams currently studying whales in the open Pacific will be keeping a watch for them using photos of their tail flukes taken during their stay in West Sacramento.
Update: 6/01/07 6:30 pm Since last Wednesday evening there has been no sign of the whales and it has become widely accepted that they have indeed left the area.
It has also become a story dropped like a hot potato - nothing to be found at any of the local news outlets unless one digs into the archives.
The rescue mission is expected to end up costing about $1 million. But hey, I think it was worth it. Too bad we can't get such help for other issues that require as much if not more attention. Polar Bears, Grizzly Bears and Delta Smelt are a few that come to mind.
If and when I get information confirming the whales position I will post another update.
Update: 6/09/07 It has been nearly 2 weeks now with no sightings so it is now obvious that they have left the area.
But then Will Durst has the last say!
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