The biggest animal that has ever existed on the planet!
We got to spend some time with a Blue Whale on our afternoon trip yesterday. Blue Whales are the largest animals that have ever existed on the planet and one of the rarest whale species with an estimated population of less than 2% of their original numbers in the Southern Hemisphere (status: endangered).
Blue Whales can easily be distinguished by their enormous size (up to 30 meters long) and the huge blow when they surface and exhale which can reach a height comparable to a three-story building. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant and their hearts as much as a car. Despite being so massive, Blue Whales feed on some of the smallest marine life: tiny shrimp-like animals called krill. An adult Blue Whale can consume 3,600 kg of krill a day!
While sightings of the endangered Blue Whale are rather rare, it is a life-changing experience to observe these impressive giants of the ocean. The best thing about our boat tours in Southern Tasmania is, that we never know what the next day is going to offer. With such an abundance of marine life, there is always a chance of a very special experience!