Meet Mahina, the rare white humpback whale calf dazzling the world
Meet Mahina, the rare white humpback whale calf dazzling the world
Meet Mahina, the rare white humpback whale calf dazzling the world
A rare white humpback whale calf, named Mahina, has captured global attention after its photo won a top prize at the 2026 World Nature Photography Awards. The striking image, taken near Tonga, highlights the growing interest in marine conservation as climate change alters whale migration patterns across the southern hemisphere.
The calf, Mahina, was first seen in the summer of 2024 in the waters of Vava'u, Tonga. Albinism in humpback whales is exceptionally rare, with estimates suggesting only one in 40,000 is born with the condition. Photographer Jono Allen, who captured the award-winning shot, received a $1,000 cash prize for his work.
Humpback whales in the southern hemisphere have faced dramatic changes in their migration routes over the past century. Since the 1950s, their populations have rebounded from near-collapse due to whaling, reaching around 135,000 by 2018. Recent data up to 2025 show breeding grounds expanding further north, with East Australian stocks now reaching as far as Indonesia and the Maldives. Warmer ocean temperatures have also pushed feeding areas closer to Antarctica, forcing whales to travel longer distances.
These shifts have led to earlier migrations, sometimes by weeks, disrupting their traditional feeding cycles. Despite these challenges, the species is now classified as of 'least concern' by the IUCN Red List. The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, in partnership with CNN, continues to raise awareness about such environmental changes, supporting conservation efforts worldwide.
The 2026 World Nature Photography Awards drew entries from 51 countries, reflecting growing global engagement with wildlife preservation.
Mahina's rare appearance and the recognition of Allen's photograph bring renewed focus to humpback whales' resilience and the pressures they face. With migration patterns evolving and populations recovering, ongoing conservation efforts remain critical to ensuring their long-term survival in a changing ocean.