SunTrust Georgia Explorer

Northern right whale

(Eubalaena glacialis)

The northern right whale is one of the most amazing marine animals that appear along the Georgia coast. Every winter, these large mammals migrate from their breeding grounds off New England and Nova Scotia to the coastal waters of Georgia and North Florida to give birth to their calves.

Weighing up to 200,000 lbs. and reaching lengths of over 50 feet, the northern right whale seems almost invulnerable. Despite their formidable appearance, these whales are critically endangered. Only about 300 individuals remain because the species was intensively hunted by whalers during the 19th and early 20th century. Research organizations, non-profit groups and protective legislation are helping the population to recover. However, its survival is still threatened by collisions with large ships and entrapment in fishing nets.

Don’t miss the movie that tells the story of the northern right whale in Georgia Explorer Theater!

Fun Facts

• The northern right whale produces a distinctive V-shaped spout of spray when it exhales. The spout was easily identified by whalers.
• It is called the “right whale” by early whalers because it swam slowly, floated when dead and yielded large volumes of whale oil.
• This whale filters tiny plankton from the water using large baleen plates along the sides of its mouth.
• Females give birth to a single calf that may be 13 to 15 feet long and weigh about 2,000 lbs.
• Download full fact sheet

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