[Rare Footage] Swim Alongside a Right Whale and Her Calf

On Monday, March 27, 2023, Spindle, an approximately 41-year-old North Atlantic right whale, was spotted in Cape Cod Bay with her calf. A new video from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, New England Aquarium, and Whale & Dolphin Conservation, shows the calf suckling, or feeding, as it swims under its mother.
This is Spindle’s 10th documented calf. Unfortunately, only two of her known calves are female, and researchers recently sighted one of the juvenile females with severe entanglement and in poor body condition off the coast of North Carolina. It has not been seen since January.
Every single female North Atlantic right whale and calf is vital to the species’ recovery. So far, researchers have identified 12 live calves this calving season.
North Atlantic right whales are dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes including entanglements in gear and collisions with boats and ships. There are approximately 340 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet, and fewer than 70 reproductively active females.
NOAA NMFS #21371
Photo and Videos: Michael Moore, Carolyn Miller
© Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

[@gracediemand5002]

Wonderful to see Spindle with her tenth calf. She is a treasure. Fabulous job by WHOI to capture this video and share it with us. All possible efforts must be undertaken to preserve and protect NARW. Thanks to WHOI, CCS and Anderson Cabot for their endeavors on behalf of NARW and all marine life.

[@kazd2561]

What a beautiful ❤😊sight to see, I really hope 🙏 she and her calf are safe and have a long life! 🤗💛💚

[@stonehamhistory6642]

Love this footage , how fortunate are we to see this in our own back yard.Thank yuo.

[@cindylewis5895]

Tender, touching and beautiful. So few left😢

[@Figgatella]

Beautiful! So Zen❤😊

[@friendsinnaturevideosbydia8178]

This is so precious and amazing. ❤😊 brought on the tears

[@SimonMacintyre-vb6ke]

Fantastic and uplifting

[@ceciliag4219]

What a wonderful video 💜

[@amyduro1967]

Crying. I’m glad it was long so I had time to pull myself together and keep watching. Is the calf nursing?

[@gayepappas5385]

Such a cool video!

[@patriciacole7843]

Beautiful sight!!...and no entanglements...

[@sarayutpudwatt8086]

Good Afternoon, Sir of WHOI
❤️ 🌊🐋🐳Always

[@chanemilie]

Is this Smoke and calf?

[@WHOI]

This is Spindle with calf

[@chanemilie]

Thank you! Beautiful footage.