The seas around the world continue to surprise with the appearance of large marine mammals. in places where their presence seems unusual or unexpected. Among the most talked about news stories of recent days, the impressive whale sightings in Ibiza and Ecuador, as well as the discovery of archaeological pieces that reveal secrets about the relationship between ancient Iberian cultures and these cetaceans.
The excitement of close encounters with whales, coupled with scientific discoveries, highlights the importance that these animals have had both ecologically and culturally, and renews interest in their preservation and study.
A fin whale surprises in the waters of Ibiza
During the last days, several boats sailing near the coast of Ibiza have been privileged witnesses of the unexpected appearance of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). This impressive cetacean, which can reach lengths greater than 20 meters y a weight of up to 70 tons In the case of males, it is considered the second largest animal on the planet, surpassed only by the blue whale.
The whale was moving calmly near the surface, allowing navigators observe and film it in great detail for several minutes. Images and videos of the unique encounter quickly went viral on social media., with messages highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the experience. The presence of a fin whale in the western Mediterranean, especially so close to the coast of the Balearic Islands, is relatively rare and is a highly valued event for both marine biologists and nautical tourism enthusiasts.
Marine wildlife experts remind us that The sighting of these giants must be handled with care, maintaining a safe distance so as not to disturb their natural habits. The fin whale's passage through the Mediterranean often coincides with migratory periods, which partly explains why more and more encounters are being reported around Ibiza and Formentera.
Sighting of an albino humpback whale in Ecuador
While in the Mediterranean the fin whales were making the news, in In the waters of Puerto López, Ecuador, a group of tourists and guides spotted an albino humpback whale.According to a local tour operator, it was a young male humpback whale who was swimming accompanied by another male and a female near the island of La Plata.
The extraordinary thing about this sighting lies in the unusually light color of the mammal and in the possibility that it is the same specimen reported in previous years in Costa Rica and Peru. Specialists maintain that it could be the same individual. which has been observed at different points along the Pacific coast of Latin America since 2022. During the mating season, these whales migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to warmer areas of Ecuador, traveling distances of up to 16.000 kilometers before returning south to feed on krill and plankton.
Images captured during the sighting show the whale performing dives, showing its tail and expelling air through its blowhole to the astonishment of passengers. This type of encounter strengthens the touristic relevance and raises awareness about the conservation of marine mammals in the region.
The historical and cultural value of whales in the Iberian Peninsula
The Spanish seas not only give rise to current sightings, but also have been a source of archaeological discoveries of great interest. In a Copper Age site in southwest Spain, a a sperm whale tooth worked by humans more than 4.000 years agoThis piece, which measures 17 centimeters tall and weighs more than half a kilo, was carefully modified by artisans of the time to create ornaments or symbolic elements.
Detailed analysis of the fossil It shows perforations and cuts that can only be attributed to human intervention. After remaining on the seabed for some time, the tooth was collected and eventually buried, probably with special significance for the prehistoric community.
This finding expands what is known about the use of Marine ivory and its importance in cultural practices since ancient times. Although elephant ivory has been widely documented in European prehistory, The use of materials from whales and other cetaceans opens new avenues of research into the exploitation of marine resources by the first inhabitants of the peninsula..
Recent episodes, both in the form of spectacular sightings and through archaeological discoveries, fuel a fascination with whales and their role in nature and human historyThe protection and respect for these species remains a challenge, and their conservation is essential to maintaining the ecological and cultural balance of our coasts.