Keepers have a whale of a time

The east Australian Humpback whale migration has begun and Taronga’s Marine Mammal Department has been fortunate enough to get amongst it, thanks to an exciting new partnership with Captain Cook Cruises.

As whale populations continue to increase, thanks to the 1986 ban on commercial whaling, there is an ever-growing interest in watching these beautiful and majestic creatures. Sydney is well-situated to see whales as they pass by our coastline, boasting one of the longest whale-watching seasons in Australia (spanning from late May until late November).

While there are many opportunities to see whales from Sydney’s beaches and cliffs, by far the best viewing opportunities are provided by purpose-run whale watching cruises.

Taronga Zoo has partnered with Captain Cook Cruises, who run whale watching cruises every weekend and daily in school holidays for the duration of the whale migration, departing from Circular Quay and the Taronga Zoo Wharf.

Taronga Zoo’s role in this partnership is to engage guests and provide onboard commentary for the duration of the three hour cruise.  Staff from the Marine Mammal Department have been the first to take on this new role and have been rewarded with incredible encounters with beautiful Humpback whales, as well as a broad variety of marine life.

Tickets for the Captain Cook Whale Watching Cruise are available both in the Zoo grounds and directly from Captain Cook Cruises.

-  Marine Mammal Keeper, Stephen Dalleywater