Humpback whale

• From the moment they’re born, their first instinct is to swim to the surface for air.
• While most enjoy the comforts of hanging out in mum’s tummy until she reaches warm northern Australian waters, some just can’t wait to enter the big blue.
• While this sighting is rare, it’s not likely to be the last mother and calf whale sighting we’ll see this year.

Why are whales coming here?

• Generally speaking, whales migrate to Australian waters in the winter to breed.
• Depending on where you are on the Australian coast, you’ll probably see at least the main migratory baleen (toothless) whale species.
• In contrast, pygmy blue whales typically stay in Australian waters over summer.

The making of a whale calf

• A female humpback whale may mate with multiple males.
• A humpback whale mother may produce a calf every two to three years.
• This is a relatively quick turnaround and is likely one reason why Australian humpback whale numbers have been recovering well post-whaling.

The ultimate water birth

• This is one reason why humpback whales travel to warmer water to breed.
• Newborn calves are born with very little body insulation, so warm Australian waters are an ideal environment to be born into.
• Traditionally, northern breeding grounds for humpback whales in Australian waters occur in the Kimberley region on the west coast and in the Great Barrier Reef on the east.

Why do we sometimes see mothers with calves travelling north?

• Sometimes we see mothers with newborn calves well south of traditional breeding grounds.
• On the east coast of Australia, both humpback and dwarf minke whale mothers have been observed travelling north with bubs in recent years.

On the swim for multitasking mothers

• Once a calf is born, mothers continue to swim with the calf alongside her.
• This is the most efficient position where the calf is able to swim in her slipstream.
• Impressively, she is also likely to be fasting at the same time, relying on energy stores obtained in Antarctic waters.

How can you see a mother with calf?

• Although your chances of spotting a mother and calf pair is highest in those northern breeding areas, you could also spot them as they migrate northward, or on their return journey south to Antarctic waters.
• The good news is, whale watching can be done from both land and on the water, depending on where you are in Australia.
• Read more:
  Humpback whales have been spotted 'bubble-net feeding' for the first time in Australia (and we have it on camera)

• Fuzzy Head , a surreal psychological thriller directed by Wendy McColm, is premiering at Slamdance film festival, where it was honorarily placed.
• The team behind the film is composed of notable industry personalities (Alicia Witt, Rain Phoenix, Fred Melamed, Richard Riehle, Frank Oz).
• Slamdance film festival is dedicated to promoting grassroots productions and has launched industry changing careers, such as Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk) and Rian Johnson (Star Wars: The Last Jedi).
• If they do, they are almost always supported by mainstream agencies, film festivals, and well known film stars.

• Toronto, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Wildlife Fund Canada is asking people to help stop wildlife loss this holiday season by symbolically adopting species as gifts.
• There are countless gifts to choose from each holiday season, but few will make as enduring an impact as a symbolic adoption.
• Unwrapping a gift that helps reverse wildlife loss, restore nature and fights climate change is a dream for wildlife lovers and the eco-conscious recipient, says Scott Sandison, WWF-Canadas vice-president of community giving.
• WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change.

• "No Species is an Island": Nautilus Ocean and Jungle Jungles release a limited-edition apparel collection benefiting 3030 and Ocean conservation.
• Nautilus Ocean follows Nautilus's mission to weave ocean science, ocean research, exploration and conservation into broad conversations that challenge, illuminate, and educate.
• "We are honored to participate in this crucial effort with Nautilus, Jungles, and the Schmidt Ocean Institute to protect our oceans."
• Nautilus' proceeds from this collaboration will go towards Nautilus Think, a 501(c)(3) non profit arm of Nautilus Magazine.