The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 opened in a flurry of sand inspired by the laid back beach lifestyle of the host city Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. As per reports, nearly one billion viewers tuned in to watch the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2018 on April 4. The most awaited and one of the biggest-ever-event had finally begun in front of a strong crowd which witnessed more than thousands of performers and athletes. But Migaloo the white whale was the star of the show at the 21st Commonwealth Games. A huge inflatable whale floated above the Carrara Stadium as the ceremony drew towards a close.

With 71 competing nations, the giant white whale Migaloo definitely stole the spectators. Migaloo is one of the world’s rare and Australia’s most well-known white humpback whales which so far has been spotted only a number of times. Travelers will never miss its sight whenever they plan a holiday to the coastline. So, when a giant inflatable version of the whale floated over the crowd during the opening ceremony, viewers could not hold themselves clicking pictures, taking videos and sharing them on social media. Some even were asking if the global guests would know anything about Migaloo!

Migaloo steals the show!

As Migaloo enters...

Migaloo was the star of the show!

Quick Facts and Introduction to Migaloo

Migaloo is Australia’s most well-known humpback whale. On June 28, 1991, he was photographed passing Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. When he as first sighted, he was the only known all white whale in the world. As he migrates up the east coast of Australia from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Tropical North Queensland his distinctive all white colouring allows visitors to report sightings. It was only after 2011, an amazing footage emerged of a white baby humpback calf. This new white whale was named MJ (Migaloo Junior) and has amazed people from all around the world. Migaloo is protected under Australian law and he is a part of the Australian East Coast humpback whale population.

Watch the video of Migaloo amazing and delighting the visitors!

Apart from the inflatable Migaloo, Australia’s indigenous culture which dates back nearly 65,000 years; was also a key component at the night’s extravaganza opening ceremony at the Carrara Stadium. The Britain’s royal couple Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was delighted to witness the aboriginal style as the native culture took place at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2018 05:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).