‘So cool’: Watch a mama whale and her calf just casually cruising off Miami Beach
Lucky, indeed.
While out on Wednesday off Miami Beach, a crew from Sandman Fishing got an eyeful: A whale and her calf just swimming along their merry way, breaking the surface ever so slightly.
The fishermen posted two videos to Instagram.
“Perfect way to end the day. We saw a whale and her calf,” read one of the posts. “We reported the sighting and we think they might be right whales.”
The fishermen then told followers that they got a response from the North Atlantic Right Whale Project at the New England Aquarium, which reportedly viewed the videos.
The scientists told Sandra MacMillan, who runs Sandman, they believe the bigger whale in the clip was “No. 3560” in their catalog: She’s a 15-year-old female and first-time mom.
“North Atlantic right whale females are generally found in the Southeast during the winter for their calving season, but sightings that far south are uncommon!” the scientists told MacMillan in an email, she confirmed to the Miami Herald.
There are only about 400 North Atlantic right whales alive today. Listed as critically endangered, the majestic creatures are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Social media commentators were both appreciative and awestruck by the sight.
“That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing.”
“So cool.”
“Love this!”
“Sooo lucky.”
“Spectacular!”
OK, everyone, time for No. 3560 to get a proper name. Any suggestions?
This story was originally published February 21, 2020 at 12:51 PM.
