Rare Sightings in Long Beach: The Tale of Bob the Minke Whale
In an extraordinary event that has captivated local spectators, whale expert Alisa Schulman-Janiger recently caught the attention of Long Beach inhabitants with the unexpected presence of a minke whale gracefully navigating the area. Unlike most of her whale observation experiences, which typically involve spotting giant gray whales through binoculars during their migratory passes from the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this minke whale, affectionately named "Bob," has made quite a splash by venturing into the waters of Rainbow Harbor. This fascinating sighting occurred on April 3, 2025, drawing crowds eager to witness the rare creature up close.
Bob the Minke Whale, measuring approximately 25 feet in length, was first spotted on March 31, gliding past the Harbor Breeze charter boats and the Aquarium of Long Beach. Over the following days, the whale meandered around notable landmarks like Shoreline Village, before settling back near the Catalina Express. Its leisurely movements have mesmerized onlookers, prompting many to speculate why this solitary traveler has ventured so far from its natural habitat in the open ocean. Schulman-Janiger raised the possibility that the minke may have been chasing a school of fish or simply exploring the area, adding an air of mystery to Bob’s unexpected journey.
Despite the thrill of observing Bob from the shores, Schulman-Janiger emphasized that it is crucial to assess the whale’s health. As of now, Bob does not appear to be sick, injured, or distressed, and its breathing seems normal. Schulman-Janiger noted that minke whales often have a unique olfactory characteristic, being affectionately referred to as “stinky minkes.” However, there is still no definitive way to determine whether Bob is entirely healthy, inciting concern from marine experts who are keen on ensuring the whale’s safe return to deeper waters.
Looking to the future, the high tide expected around 1 a.m. offers a flicker of hope for Bob’s navigation back to the open ocean. Schulman-Janiger explained that deeper waters present an increased likelihood of safely exiting the harbor. Given that Rainbow Harbor has been known to trap several wayward gray whales during their migratory routes, Bob’s situation stands out as particularly unusual, considering that only about 509 minke whales are recognized along California’s coastline as of 2023.
Unlike many other whale species that exhibit defined migratory patterns, minkes are known as solitary travelers, making them less likely to venture into crowded waterways like Rainbow Harbor. Their elusive nature, coupled with the fact that they do not exhibit visible blows when surfacing for air, makes spotting them a rarity. This has only heightened public interest and concern for Bob’s well-being and navigational safety.
As spectators continue to gather and watch Bob circle near Catalina Landing, boat crews are working tirelessly to ensure the whale’s safety while encouraging it to head toward deeper waters. Schulman-Janiger and her team are monitoring the situation closely, urging boaters to exercise caution if the whale approaches the harbor entrance. The sentiment is clear among both experts and onlookers: In this vast aquatic environment, it is imperative to remember that it is whales’ world, and humans are merely guests in their domain.
In this rare moment of wildlife observation, the presence of Bob the Minke Whale not only provides a thrilling spectacle but also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between nature and human activities. As we witness the wonders of marine life, it is our responsibility to ensure their safe passage and continue advocating for their protection—because every moment spent in their world enriches our understanding of the ocean’s majestic inhabitants.
