EXPERTS spotted an Eden’s whale appearing five times and feeding three times in the sea area of Hong Kong from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, DT News reported.

The young whale, affectionately known to Shenzhen residents as “Xiaobu,” was also seen in Meisha Bay, Yantian District, around 4 p.m. Friday.

The whale was accompanied by a dolphin when it was roaming around the sea area off Yantian.

“I saw a leaping dolphin before seeing the whale,” said Chen Mingwei, captain of Golden Bay Sightseeing Cruise. “Many seagulls flew around it.”

Chen told the reporter that he didn’t expect that he would see a whale. He later changed the sailing route to ensure Xiaobu’s safety.

Passengers were also excited to see the wild aquatic animal foraging twice near the boat’s stern. “Everyone felt very lucky to have a glimpse of ‘Xiaobu.’ For children particularly, the highlight of their day is to witness a ‘whale and dolphin dance,’” said Chen Ning, a cruise guide.

Xiaobu’s frequent “visits” have to do with improvements in the marine ecological environment and sea water quality, the passengers said.

In recent years, the Yantian District Government has strengthened the cleanup of public waters and conservation of coral resources. As of now, Yantian’s sea area has more beautiful coastal landscapes, better water quality and richer marine ecological diversity.

To better protect the whale and have vessels avoid disturbing and harming it, an escort team will be formed to maintain order at sea, dissuade unrelated vessels and organize cleanup campaigns.

Experts also call on sailors and citizens to keep distance from the whale.

The Shenzhen Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau will set up a temporary control zone to protect Xiaobu before the fishing ban is lifted, according to earlier media reports.

(Xia Yuanjie)