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Rare Sighting: Newborn Right Whale Calves Spotted Near Florida Coast

Top-down view of a right whale mom and her calf swimming off the Florida coast

Did you know that there are around 90 different species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises? Each one is breathtakingly majestic, especially if you get the chance to see one up close! Sadly, certain types of whales are considered to be critically endangered species. This includes the right whale. These creatures got their name for being the “right” whale to hunt, referring to the fact that it was easier to capture them.

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Thankfully, the whaling industry is no longer an issue for these beautiful creatures. But that doesn’t change the fact that they still face life-threatening dangers. Their biggest ones include large vessels, fishing gear, and human-made ocean noise. The National Ocean Service, in partnership with others, is working to keep these animals safe. A great sign that their efforts are working can be seen in a recent whale sighting along the Florida coast.

Here, a group of right whales was found just off the coast of Ponte Vedra Beach. This group included two females who recently gave birth to one calf each! Both moms are around 20 years old. This is especially exciting news given the decline in births of right whales in recent years.

Two New Right Whale Calves Are a Hopeful Sign for This Critically Endangered Species

Both whale moms were already lovingly named by researchers: Blackheart and Caterpillar. For the former, this is her second time having a calf. On the contrary, Caterpillar is a first-time mom! With only 400 right whales in the North Atlantic, it’s safe to say that we have a long way to go to ensure these animals are no longer endangered. But this is certainly a hopeful moment!

“Excellent news, keep a close watch on em,” someone writes in reply to the photos of these right whale calves, another adding, “May they live long and have many babies!”

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!

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