Nexus, the Southern Right Whale, has travelled thousands of km from South Africa to the Crozet Islands, but now she appears to be on the move again, and researchers say her journey is a mystery!
South Africa (13 August 2026) – It has been quite the adventure for Nexus, one of five southern right whale mothers satellite-tagged by the University of Pretoria Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit in October 2025.
Nexus was tagged in Walker Bay and soon began heading east along the South African coast. From there, she continued southeast, eventually making her way towards the Crozet Islands, a feeding ground for Southern Right Whales.
The researchers have been able to follow her movements thanks to the satellite tag, watching as she travelled thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean and eventually settled around the islands.
Now, after spending months in the area, Nexus appears to be heading back towards South Africa! This is where things get interesting. If Nexus continues on her current trajectory, it could be the first time the team’s tracking has captured a Southern Right Whale apparently leaving the Crozet Islands on a return journey.
But there is still a big question hanging over her next move, and that is where exactly she is going?
The team doesn’t know yet whether Nexus is heading all the way back to South Africa or whether she has another feeding ground in mind; perhaps somewhere researchers haven’t encountered before.
“After months around Crozet, Nexus appears to be heading back towards South Africa.
If she continues on this trajectory, this could be the first time our tracking has captured a South African right whale apparently leaving Crozet on a return journey.
But where is she going? Is Nexus heading home to South Africa? Or is she on her way to another, unknown feeding ground?
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We don’t know yet, and that’s the excitement of satellite tracking. We’re watching her journey unfold in real time.” shares the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit.
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All movement adds to the puzzle of trying to understand these incredible animals. Tracking whales like Nexus helps researchers learn more about where they travel, where they feed and how they use the ocean spaces around them. This is information that can help with the conservation of the species and the habitats they depend on.
All eyes are on Nexus right now. Will she make the long journey back to South Africa, or will she surprise the team and lead them towards another feeding ground? Only time, and Nexus, will tell!
The public can help support the continued satellite tracking and research by adopting a whale, which helps the team follow incredible journeys like Nexus’ and learn more about the ocean habitats these animals depend on.
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