Rescue Operation Frees Humpback Whale in Sydney

A dramatic rescue operation in Sydney Harbour successfully freed a juvenile humpback whale entangled in fishing gear. The whale was first spotted on Thursday by a tour group, leading to an immediate response from local wildlife rescue teams, including ORRCA and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. Efforts to attach a GPS tracker and orange buoys to slow the whale down were initially hampered by the whale's energy and thrashing. Operations paused overnight but resumed early Friday, culminating in the whale being freed using specialized cutting equipment. The whale was last seen swimming freely, with rescuers expressing relief and satisfaction at the outcome. This incident highlights the recurring issue of whale entanglements during their migration past Sydney, often referred to as the 'humpback highway.'