Back in the 80s, whaling had brought whale species to the brink of extinction.
A gobal outcry prompted action to save Earth’s largest animals, resulting in the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling by the International Whaling Commission.
While some species continue to struggle, humpbacks are among the species that have come roaring back. Thanks to South African photographer Chris Fallows, we’ve got a prime view of a “supergathering” of some 300 humpbacks who met off the west coast of South Africa:
Fallows called it a “Manhattan skyline” of whale breath plumes, and said it’s clear evidence the species has benefited from the ban.
Humpback whales can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 metric tons. They’re known for their long, haunting conversations in whalesong, with “phrases” that can last as long as 30 minutes. Despite their massive size, humpbacks are filter feeders who subsist on small fish, krill and plankton.
Pain In The Bud 
The Americas is a great show to watch. Watching it a second time.
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The giants have survived and are having a feast….
How lovely.
Good to see something beautiful, I am in France at the moment with our 5th heatwave since june and all around me the beautiful woods and wildlife are burning…..xxx
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Stay safe, Sue. How bad is it where you are? I’ve read some disturbing stories about the temperatures and heat deaths in France and I know a lot of our European friends don’t have AC.
I’m thinking that’s probably going to change after this summer if people aren’t running out to buy them already.
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What magnificent animals! It’s great that they were able to be saved from extinction caused by whaling.
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