H Post: Humpback Whales Intervene in Killer Whale Attacks on a Baby Gray Whale, and Save Seals

[Omaha Steve]

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And now our story...


Humpback whale (right) pursuing killer whale

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/candace-calloway-whiting/humpback-whales-intervene_b_8093080.html

How does a 45 ton whale manage to rescue a 300 pound seal? Or drive off a pack of hungry orcas in an attempt to save a baby of a different species?

The following two incidents reveal how humpback whales did both of those things, adding a whole new meaning to the phrase "gentle giants'.

Monterey, California - In what is probably the first time such an event has been witnessed and recorded, humpback whales appeared to try to intervene when a pod of killer whales attacked a baby gray whale.

Skilled at killing even large whales, this type of orcas regularly take the calves of gray whales - hard as it is to witness, this is a normal predator/prey relationship. But what occurred on May 3rd, 2012 in full view of whale watchers was nothing short of remarkable.



Gray Whale Calf: this calf was completely exhausted, under attack by the orcas for at least 30 minutes. Its mother is holding it up. © Alisa Schulman-Janiger/Monterey Bay Whale Watch

FULL story at link.

[Omaha Steve]

1. Kick

[hankthecrank]

2. Signed k/r

[hankthecrank]

3. Kicked plus whale kicked ass