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South Africa: Southern Right Whale

Southern Right Whale

 

The maximum size of an adult female is 18.5 m and the weight is around 130 tons.

 

Calves grow at about 3 cm a day and feed almost 600 liters of milk per while suckling.

 

They can dive down to 300 meters and swim at a speed of between 0.5 and 4 km/h but can reach a top speed of 18 km/h.

 

Expected lifespan for a Southern Right Whale is about 50 years.

 

Protected since 1935.  As the name indicates, the Southern Right Whale spends the summer months in the far Southern Ocean feeding, probably close to Antarctica. It migrates north in winter for breeding and can be seen around the coasts of South America and West- and South Africa.

 
Lob taling are used between mother and calves
 
Lob tailing or tail slapping is a form of communication
 
Breaching is a leap out of the water and is probably
 
a communication function
 
and maybe also assist in removal of parasites.

Spy hopping is coming out of the water vertically, and momentarily staying. Whales probably have good eyesight above water and they maybe are curious what’s going on at the surface

South Africa October 2008
COMMENTS
Chilla said at 5:00 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
What a thrill to see these magnificent creatures. You have put together a really lovely tabblo here.
Snooway said at 5:06 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
wow, you were so lucky to see them lob their tails, amazing shots, thanks also for the information
Hhwind said at 6:04 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Wow thanks they are gorgeous, great shots, someday hope to see these magnificient creatures
Moabjeeper said at 9:34 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Great shots.
Eduardo.affonso said at 9:58 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Breaching may be also a way to please photographers, don't you think so? :)
YorkJodi said at 10:14 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
COOL... Excellent photos... I hope to someday see a whale... in real life that is... ;)
AdSR said at 10:19 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Amazing. I wonder what the second part of the name, "right", means.
Hollyridger said at 11:22 a.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Wonderful shots, once again! Thanks for interesting info, too.
21-gramm said at 12:18 p.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
Grandly!!
Robya said at 9:48 p.m. on Nov 2, 2008:
So Invigorating to see!~~Robbi
Candlepower said at 12:04 p.m. on Nov 3, 2008:
WOW Excellent and gorgeous shots! A Favorite!
DanMan said at 7:18 p.m. on Aug 2, 2009:
Excellent! I saw these in South Africa just a couple weeks ago!
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