Right Whale Spotted With New Calf

Whales are simply majestic. I’ve been drawn to them since I moved to New Bedford. An entire society was built here on their industry. Happily, as technology advanced, the industry passed and created a new interest in the mammals, and learning every possible thing about them.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources have been keeping an eye on right whales, the whales who are at the most risk of being harmed, injured, or destroyed. According to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, there are only about 350 of these whales left in the world.

One whale was spotted off Little Cumberland Island in Georgia this past week. That whale's name is Right Whale #1243, but the people who monitor her call her Magic. There was a lot of excitement while out on observation because there was a little addition alongside her. At 39 years old, Magic was seen breaching with her little baby calf, her seventh known calf so far.

Boaters may feel a rush of excitement of their own and watch the natural occurrence of mother and baby whale together in person, but it is asked that you keep 500 yards back. Should you come across Magic and her calf, please report the sighting at 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). Though a photo of the pair breaching would make for one heck of a social media cover photo, it is best to enjoy from afar and allow marine biologists to keep a close eye on them.

Love whales a little too much? Well, this weekend is Moby-Dick Weekend at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, they will have a (virtual) non-stop reading of Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick. For more information call the Whaling Museum at (508) 997-0046.