Visitors to Tokyo Bay were treated to an extraordinary sight recently as a 10-meter-long whale was spotted off the coast of Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture. The rare sighting was captured by Kazuyuki Kojima, vice-chairman of the Tokyo Eastern Fisheries Cooperative Association, who encountered the marine giant during his morning sail on December 13.
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A Morning Surprise in Tokyo Bay
Kojima was navigating a small fishing boat from the Old Edogawa River to a fixed net when he noticed the massive creature at approximately 7:30 a.m. The whale’s black back and prominent dorsal fin appeared just 10 meters from his boat, an unexpected and awe-inspiring sight. Kojima recounted:
“We were paying close attention to a whale we had heard from a fishing boat ahead of us, when the black back of the whale appeared on the surface of the water about 10 meters to the side of our boat, passing by us, and we were surprised to see its huge dorsal fin. The boat was small, so we were afraid it would capsize, but we like whales, so we took pictures. We’ve seen finless porpoises here from time to time, but this was the first time we’d seen such a large whale.”
ディズニーリゾート沖にクジラ 潮吹き潜る 関連記事はこちらから→https://t.co/pDyBxXyAnD pic.twitter.com/ln75AeZEMB
— 毎日新聞映像グループ (@eizo_desk) December 20, 2024
A Rare Encounter
The whale repeatedly dived and surfaced over a span of about 30 minutes, occasionally blowing water before disappearing into the depths. While Tokyo Bay is known to host finless porpoises occasionally, Kojima noted that this was the first time he had seen such a large whale in the area.
Local marine experts believe the whale may have wandered into Tokyo Bay in search of food or as part of its migration route. While whale sightings in this region are rare, they offer a reminder of the rich biodiversity that exists even near bustling metropolitan areas.
Tokyo Disney Resort’s proximity to Tokyo Bay means that visitors and locals alike can occasionally witness fascinating marine activity. While the sight of dolphins and smaller sea creatures is more common, the appearance of a whale highlights the unique ecosystem present in the waters around Urayasu City.
Whales and Conservation Efforts
Encounters like these underscore the importance of marine conservation efforts. Whales play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, and sightings in urban-adjacent areas like Tokyo Bay serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of human activity and marine life.
For Kojima and the Tokyo Eastern Fisheries Cooperative Association, the experience was unforgettable. “We’ve seen finless porpoises here from time to time,” he said, “but this was something entirely different. It was an incredible moment.” The unexpected visitor has left locals and marine enthusiasts hopeful for more glimpses of these majestic creatures in the future.
Wild Animals at Parks Worldwide
Disney parks around the world are not only home to magical experiences but also host a surprising variety of wildlife, thanks to their locations near natural habitats and carefully preserved environments. For instance, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is surrounded by wetlands, forests, and lakes, making it a haven for animals like alligators, turtles, otters, and an array of bird species.
Wald Disney World Resort even had a bear at the park last year. Disney has taken proactive steps to ensure the preservation of these ecosystems, such as creating dedicated wildlife corridors and conservation areas within the sprawling property.
Similarly, Disneyland Resort in California is situated in a more urban setting, but its carefully landscaped grounds often attract local species like ducks, rabbits, and native birds. These unexpected encounters remind visitors of the rich biodiversity that coexists with these man-made marvels, offering a unique blend of natural wonder alongside the magic of Disney.
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