Gallery Video
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS & VIDEO - Photos and drone footage of a white whale calf have been taken by several enthusiasts over the last few weeks.
Juan Pierre Stoffberg, who lives in Glentana, saw the whales last week when he drove past Bothastrand.
He immediately spotted the white calf between two adults and used his drone to capture photographs.
According to an article in Newsweek, published on 4 August, the white calf is not an albino, but is known as a "brindle" animal.
The condition causes the animal to be a bright white colour. Brindle colouration is different from albinism - a condition where the animal appears lighter in colour due to a lack of pigmentation in the skin.
According to scientists, brindle colouration in whales is extremely rare. Only about four percent of southern right whales are brindle-coloured when they are born. Most of them turn grey as they grow up.
SUPPLIED VIDEO - Rare White whale calf spotted with drone footage (Video: Juan Pierre Stoffberg).
The southern right whales are critically endangered because they were hunted for a long time and because their breeding cycle is lengthening.
The chairman of the Great Brak River Conservancy, Scott Thomson, said they are very grateful for the whales and the joy they bring.
PHOTO GALLERY: White whale calf spotted
The brindle (white) whale calf swimming next to the mother.
Southern right whale with her white calf.
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