Whale watchers were treated to a rare sight even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world.

Orca Network’s Howard Garrett spotted and took photographs of a unique orca named Tl’uk earlier this month. What sets this male whale apart is that instead of the usual black-and-white coloring of other killer whales, Tl’uk sports a light gray coloration. He can occasionally be seen swimming in waters off Washington state.

Because of his unique coloring, Tl’uk has managed to make a name for himself in the local community and in the middle of a pandemic, offers a welcome respite from the anxiety and worry that has been gripping most people.

“He stands right out,” Garrett told The Seattle Times. “I don’t know that there is anything different about him or his family. He seems to be the right size for his age and traveling with them, perfectly normal behavior. But he sure glows really bright.”

Garrett was standing on a dock while looking out into the Puget Sound’s waters when he sighted Tl’uk along with other orcas. He described the whales as “powerful, graceful, beautiful beings.”

“It is great to see that guy, just amazing,” said Garrett in describing Tl’uk, who is under 2 years old. “There is a certain mystical quality.”

According to CNN, locals began noticing Tl’uk back in October with his unusual look immediately catching the attention of whale watchers. At the time, Tl’uk was spotted by tourists and whale watchers on an Island Adventures Whale Watching boat.

The first time that the grayish-white orca had been spotted was in November 2018.

Erin Gless, the lead naturalist at Island Adventures Whale Watching, an eco touring agency, clarified that the whale is not an albino although experts still don’t know how the calf acquired its unique coloring.

Initially, experts had concerns that Tl’uk’s coloring was due to poor health but the whale’s continued growth has shown that it doesn’t seem to be the case at all.

 

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