January 21, 2021 — Recent sightings of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is giving conservationists new hope on the survival of the species.
Two more calves have been spotted off the coast of Amelia Island in Florida, increasing the total number of calves seen this season to 11, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The calves have been born to a 13-year-old whale named “Bocce” and a 20-year-old whale identified as “#3130.”
The news is welcome for conservationists, as only 22 births have occurred in the previous four calving seasons combined, and the first calf of the season washed up dead on a barrier island off North Carolina in November, according to NOAA.