OPINION: Albany’s mascot mystery

Albany, we need to talk about your whale mascot.

This Saturday at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station will be the inaugural Welcoming the Whales Festival.

The whales are not only a cultural significant part of Albany’s history, both European and Aboriginal, but also its tourism sector, bringing thousands of visitors each year.

However, we’ve always wondered one thing. What is going on with our mascot?

The large grey ‘mammal’ has been spotted out and about at a number of events.

We believe it is a sperm whale but the jury is still out.

Mascots are usually designed to thrill children, but this grey beast may be the catalyst for nightmares.

It is hard to pin-point what it is about the whale that is off putting; Is it the grey slacks, the bulbous head or the eyes always watching you?

Or maybe it’s just the fact it has feet.

Nevertheless, don’t let it deter you from this weekend’s festival. We welcome whales (mascots or otherwise) to Albany!