Beloved whale Nala retur ns with calf

HERVEY Bay is buzzing with excitement as the region’s most famous humpback, Nala, has returned to local waters and she has brought along her newest calf.

The mother and calf duo was sighted by Blue Dolphin Marine Tours, with the little one estimated to be just five to six weeks old.

For locals, whale watchers and researchers, the appearance marks another remarkable chapter in Nala’s extraordinary story.

Nala has been frequenting the bay since 1992, often accompanied by a calf. Her legacy truly began in 1996 when she was given her name by a group of Byron Bay students involved in the Kids On The Ocean (KOTO) youth project.

Drawing inspiration from The Lion King, the students chose “Nala” for the mother and “Simba” for her 1996 calf.

Every calf since has continued the tradition of carrying names linked to the much loved film, creating a unique lineage that blends science, culture and community.

Easily identified by her distinctive fluke markings, Nala is one of the most studied humpbacks in Australian waters.

Over three decades she has given birth to 15 calves, an extraordinary contribution to the recovery of the species.

Each calf strengthens the East Coast humpback population, which was once critically low after decades of commercial whaling.

Researchers have long noted her unusual ability to conceive in consecutive years, a rare trait among humpbacks and an important factor in boosting population growth.

Her behaviour has also provided valuable scientific insights, from maternal care to the rare “fluke up feeding” technique that she has been observed using in Hervey Bay’s waters.

Beyond science, Nala holds a special place in the heart of the Fraser Coast.
In 2005 she was named the patron whale of Hervey Bay, symbolising the region’s commitment to marine conservation.

Her story was permanently honoured in 2012 when a 22 tonne sculpture was unveiled at the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere, a tribute to her role as both a scientific treasure and icon.

Now, with her latest calf by her side, Nala continues to inspire wonder and reaffirm Hervey Bay’s status as Australia’s whale watching capital.