Baby Whale Bonds With Boat

Posted by Asflutz at 1:00 PM on August 19, 2008

I've heard some improbable attachment stories before:  tiger cubs nursed by a golden retriever, ducklings imprinted on human researchers.  But this one beats them all, and is the one most likely to result in tragedy — a baby humpback whale apparently thinks a yacht is its mother, and has even tried to suckle from it.

The saga is unfolding in Pittwater, Sydney.  No one knows where the mother whale is, but the baby won't leave the boat despite the fact that it was towed out to sea in an attempt to coax the baby to look for its mum, or even a different pod into which it could conceivably be accepted.

Experts agree the baby is unlikely to survive.  Rescuers can't feed the baby because, at an estimated 1-2 months of age, it hasn't been weaned.

Is it crazy or sentimental or hormonal of me to see this mismatch as a metaphor for our times?  How many of us are steadfastly attached to the wrong things, only we can't see it, so we continue to pursue them to our own detriment???

All I know is, I'm rooting like crazy for this poor baby to find its mum.

Updates at the SMH

.

Tags:

,

,

Comments

There are currently no comments.

 

Post Your Comments

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Comment:

Strollerderby

Updated daily by the wittiest parents in the blogosphere, Strollerderby provides a scroll of breaking news, spot-on reviews of entertainment and products, and irreverent discussions of hot topics.

Send your tips to strollerderby@babble.com.au.

FameCrawler

W Magazine Amputates Demi Moore’s Hip

5:43 PM Okay, we know the gorgeous mother of three likes plastic surgery, but wasn’t it a bit presumptuous of W magazine to liposuction Demi Moore’s thigh without her approval?... read more

Johnny Depp Drunkest Man In NYC (Brilliant Video)

5:00 PM After an evening out with punk legend Patti Smith in New York on Wednesday night, the newly re-crowned Sexiest Man Alive, one J Depp, looked like he was back on the set of Fear and... read more

Droolicious

Star Baby: Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban’s Baby Uggs It Up

5:14 PM I think there is some kind of law in place that Aussies Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have to put a pair of the Australian born Ugg boots on their daughter, Sunday. It’s... read more

Boy’s Retro Lounge Set

10:00 AM I can’t think of a reason not to love this Boy’s Retro Lounge Set. The bold colours are amazing and the set appears to be extra comfy. The set includes a matching white s... read more
Babble Partners