Help name the whales!

The Island Whale Festival returns on July 1 – 3 and has two new mascots in desperate need of a name.

Organisers of the festival, which is now in its sixth year, are running a competition to name its Humpback Whale and Southern Right Whale characters. 

“We have engaged the very talented local artist Zev Landes to create our new mascots – a Humpback and a Southern Right Whale,” said Kim Storey from Destination Phillip Island.

“Now our new mascots need some names, and we need your help!”

The prize for each winner (one for each character) is a family ticket for a three-hour Dolphin and Whale cruise on Wildlife Coast Cruises valued at $328 each.

Competition links are on the IslandWhales Facebook page and close on Wednesday May 25.

Festival organisers are hoping this year’s event will be the best yet.

“Destination Phillip Island is working on an exciting program with our Festival partners Phillip Island Nature Parks, the Dolphin Research Institute, Wildlife Coast Cruises, Two Bays Whale Project and Bass Coast Shire Council,” Kim said.

“There will be lots of activities for the kids, science presentations and displays. This year’s Festival Hub will be at St Philip’s Church and the Masonic Hall in Cowes. Events will also be held at The Nobbies and Woolamai Life Saving Club.

“The Whale out of Water will be back in the marquee and we are excited to present the short film Regenerating Australia by Damon Gameau, the award-winning director of 2040 and That Sugar Film. 

“This film looks at what Australia would look like in 2030 if we simply listened to the needs of its people.”

As the weather cools down, people are getting excited about the return of the whales and the start of whale watching season.

Kim hopes whale-loving locals will jump at the chance to christen the festival mascots and said illustrator Zev Landes’ was an ideal choice for the whale festival.

“Zev is a published cartoonist and illustrator whose artwork celebrates the ridiculousness of life through humour.

“His playful characters bring to life issues of wildlife conservation, social commentary and even surfing. His cartoons, illustrations, animations and infographics tell the stories of creatures that will make you laugh and stir your heart.”

Stay up to date with the evolving program at islandwhales.com.au which includes information on the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail and tips for sighting whales from the land.