DIVING DEEP IN THE SANCTUARY
This Humback Whale lifts his fluke indicating that he is going to dive deep in search of a meal of plankton, krill or small fish.
The Humpback whale is a species of baleen whale ranging in size up to 50 feet and weighing approximately 79,000 pounds. They are found in oceans and seas around the world. They can migrate up to 16,000 each year going from arctic feeding grounds to tropical waters to breed and give birth. During winter they fast and live off of their fat reserves, all while traveling thousands of miles and often while nursing their offspring.
Like many different species of whales, the Humpbacks were hunted mercilously, almost to the point of extinction. By 1966, approximately 90% of the Humpback population had been decimated. The population is slowly recovering and currently is approximately 80,000 animals as a result of a 1966 global whaling moratorium.
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