July 2, 2009—Migaloo, a twentysomething rare white humpback whale was seen this week along Australia's east coast, where he's migrating northward with other humpbacks.

© 2009 National Geographic (AP)

Unedited Transcript

Migaloo, the rare all-white albino humpback whale, was spotted swimming off the Queensland state this week as he migrated northward along the Australian coast.

Migaloo was swimming with a small group of whales, and watchers set sail from the Gold Coast to get a glimpse of the endangered whale. Humpback whales have been heading north to warmer waters.

Migaloo is the only documented white humpback whale in the world, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation. Whale watchers enjoyed seeing him.

SOUNDBITE (English) Whale Watcher (name not given): "It was quite interesting because, like, there was all the black ones and then there was just one white one. Yeah, it was really good."

SOUNDBITE (English) Whale Watcher (name not given): "To see that iridescent white. Until you see I don't think you'd believe it. Yeah, it's beautiful."

Believed to be about 20 years old, Migaloo has become a regular visitor off Australias east coast.

Whale watchers must keep their distance from Migaloo by law by 500 meters. Anyone getting closer can draw a 16-thousand Australian dollar fine.