In a highly unusual and historic sighting, two endangered North Atlantic right whales have been observed swimming in the shallow waters just off Destin, Florida, an area not typically included in their migratory range. The two adult females, identified as “Koala” and “Curlew,” were last seen on April 1, 2025, according to NOAA and partner agencies that are actively monitoring their movements.

This marks only the fifth known instance since 2000 in which North Atlantic right whales have been sighted in the Gulf of Mexico.

For the Emerald Coast (and for marine scientists worldwide) this is a moment that is both extraordinary and alarming.

Right whales are easily distinguished by their stocky, dark bodies and the absence of a dorsal fin. They have broad, flat backs and produce a characteristic V-shaped blow when they surface. One of their most recognizable features is the presence of callosities (rough, raised patches of skin on their heads), which often appear light in color due to tiny organisms that inhabit them. Additionally, they have wide, paddle-shaped flippers and smooth-edged tail flukes.

Who Are Koala and Curlew?

Koala (Catalog ID #3940) is a 16-year-old right whale known for a callosity pattern on her head that resembles a koala bear. Curlew (ID #4190) is 14 years old and named for a distinctive scar shaped like the beak of a curlew shorebird. Both whales were believed to be possibly pregnant when first spotted off the Atlantic coast earlier in the season, though neither has been observed with a calf.

Neither whale has been previously documented in the Gulf of Mexico, and their current path is considered out-of-habitat. Their presence so far west has raised concerns among biologists, particularly because the whales appear to be lingering in shallow coastal waters from Southwest Florida to Alabama.

Why Their Location Matters

North Atlantic right whales typically migrate between calving grounds off the Southeastern U.S. and feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. By April, most right whales are expected to be making their way northward along the Atlantic seaboard. That Koala and Curlew are still in the Gulf, which is far from their expected migratory corridor, is unusual and may signal navigational disorientation or environmental disruption.

Despite being in unfamiliar waters, both whales are reported to be in good health. Biologists continue to monitor their condition through aerial surveys and sightings, while working in partnership with law enforcement and research institutions to ensure the whales remain undisturbed.

A Critically Endangered Species

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species on Earth, with an estimated population of fewer than 370 individuals remaining.

The species has suffered severe population declines due to ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat disruption.

Given the critically endangered status of these animals, public assistance is essential to their protection, especially when sightings occur in such uncommon areas.

How the Public Can Help

Officials are asking all mariners and beachgoers in the Florida Panhandle, especially between Panama City Beach and Destin, to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately. Sightings should be reported to the hotline at (877) WHALE-HELP (942-5343).

What to Do If You Spot a Right Whale:

Report the sighting to the hotline, noting time, location, and any photos or videos taken.

Keep a safe distance: Stay at least 500 yards away—this is a federal law.

Reduce speed: Boaters are urged to operate vessels at 10 knots or less in areas where whales have been seen.

Avoid approaching: Right whales are fasting during migration. Disturbing them may deplete their energy reserves and threaten their survival.

While the sighting of Koala and Curlew off Destin is a cause for wonder, it is also a sobering reminder of the fragility of marine ecosystems. Marine biologists will continue tracking the pair’s movements in hopes they return to their migratory route safely.

Until then, the Gulf Coast community is being asked to stay informed and alert. Every report, every photo, and every safe distance maintained helps researchers protect not just Koala and Curlew, but the future of their entire species.