Baby Whale Is Back on Course, Scientists Believe
A baby gray whale that lost its way while migrating north to Alaska has left the Petaluma River and is apparently back on course, scientists said after a final search Friday.
The whale, which attracted hundreds of spectators during its five-day Sonoma County stopover, was last seen Wednesday night floating near a marina about five miles south of town.
“We surveyed the river by air and by boat and we’re confident the whale is no longer here,” said Joe Cordaro, a wildlife biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service. “We don’t know why it came in or how it got out, but we’re happy this appears to be over.”
A team of scientists spent Tuesday and Wednesday attempting to herd the whale downriver and back into San Francisco Bay. When they showed up Thursday morning, the whale--which had proved quite resistant to the rescue effort--was nowhere to be seen.
The 25-foot cetacean was dubbed Phyllis by some and Petaluma Pete by others because its sex is unknown. Its sojourn in the muddy Petaluma River was reminiscent of the saga of Humphrey, the humpback whale that spent nearly a month cruising the Sacramento River before finally being coaxed back to sea.
“Hopefully we’ve seen the last of Phyllis,” said Wayne Kipp, harbor master at the Petaluma Marina. “It was nice having her, but it’s time for her to be on her way.”
Officials dismantled their rescue operation Friday but said they would quickly reorganize if the wandering whale turned up again.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
