Watch right whale and calf interact with dolphins
Watch an endangered right whale mom and her baby interact with a group of curious dolphins. The video was shot via drone by NOAA researchers.
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The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with only about 400 animals remaining. In February 2019, NOAA conservation scientists, conducting aerial surveys to assess whale population and document new calves, captured this drone footage of a right whale mom, her calf, and some curious dolphins.
The NOAA team had a special permit allowing them to video the whale. In a statement, NOAA said:
While we appreciate the public’s enthusiasm and interest in right whales, we ask that you give these animals their space. This time of year, right whale moms are nursing their calves. The quiet bonding time is important for the newborn whales. It can be dangerous for both right whales and people to get too close to each other.
It is against the law to be within 500 yards of a right whale (that’s the length of five football fields). If you find yourself within 500 yards of a right whale, move away as soon as safely possible. This law includes vessels, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
If you see a right whale in the wild, you can call NOAA at (877) WHALE-HELP.