OUR FRIEND, THE HYBRID, IS BACK!
On the 24th of June we got fortunate, we sighted the hybrid (offspring of a Blue whale and a Fin whale) that likes to visit Skjálfandi Bay.
It is a whale that was spotted for the first time in 2007 and since then, almost every year enjoys the waters of this beautiful area. Funny thing is that last year we spotted him on the same day.
It is still unsure what causes whales to look for mates outside of their own species, but the most debated reason will remote to the severe hunting of these animals which resulted in the depletion of most populations of whales.
Alleged hybrids were reported for the first time in 1887 and in Iceland one of the first whales classified as hybrid happened in 1983.
Hopefully, he will stick around and we will have the chance to see him a few more times!
Photos were taken by our guide Fiona.
- Sara