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CNN Live Today

Whales Perform Ritual in Sydney Harbor

Aired July 31, 2002 - 12:56   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Across the globe now to Australia, where two whales have ventured into Sydney Harbor. But these aren't stranded.

As Daniela Ongaro reports, they are putting on quite a show.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DANIELA ONGARO, SEVEN NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Sydney has never seen anything like it. Two southern right whales frolicking under the Harbor Bridge. The awesome sight thrilling climbers. But it is not just for show. Experts say the pair is courting. The rolling and flipper waving part of an elaborate mating ceremony.

ROB BIRD, NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE: The fact that one of the animals has been arching its back and lifting its head out of the water, does indicate that there is some -- definitely some sort of close and intimate behavior.

ONGARO: And it went on for hours.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pretty spectacular.

ONGARO (on camera): Sydney sighters have been privileged enough to see something that not even world experts have seen. Scientists say they have never been able to get this close before to observe the mating ritual.

BIRD: I'm not aware of this ritual or this sort of activity being captured on film before.

ONGARO (voice-over): Earlier, the love birds separated from a third whale just off Bradley's Hig (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: View of the city and a view of the whale jumping, you can't beat that.

ONGARO: While it headed out to sea, the couple slowly headed for the bridge, spectators grabbing every vantage point along the way.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Fantastic. I can't believe that they have come in so close.

ONGARO: Authorities have praised the behavior of water users for keeping a safe distance.

BIRD: Excellent. Certainly of the Olympic Games standard.

ONGARO: Scientist have taken DNA samples. They will build a database to help track the whales in the future.

Daniela Ongaro, Seven News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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