Sightings of false killer whales are rare enough off the coast of Southern California, and on Saturday, a few lucky boat passengers were able to witness a once in a lifetime event: The birth of a calf.
A pod of 40 false killer whales — cousins of the better-known orcas — started to swim next to a catamaran operated by Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari, and a few began to push against the port side of the boat. "There was a sudden burst of blood and the newborn calf popped out," the company said in a statement. Several whales surrounded the calf, and spent at least 10 minutes pushing it to the surface of the water as it learned how to swim, Capt. Tom Southern said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
'Criminal trail?'Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
-
Grindr 'shared user HIV status' with ad firms, lawsuit claimsSpeed Read LGBTQ dating app accused of breaching UK data protection laws in case filed at London's High Court
-
The best dog-friendly hotels around the UKThe Week Recommends Take a break with your four-legged friend in accommodation that offers you both a warm welcome
-
Arid Gulf states hit with year's worth of rainSpeed Read The historic flooding in Dubai is tied to climate change
-
EPA limits carcinogenic emissions at 218 US plantsSpeed Read The new rule aims to reduce cancer-causing air pollution in areas like Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley'
-
Strong Taiwan earthquake kills 9, injures hundredsSpeed Read At magnitude 7.4, this was Taiwan's biggest earthquake in 25 years
-
EPA sets auto pollution rule that boosts EVsSpeed Read The Biden administration's new rules will push US automakers toward electric vehicles and hybrids
-
More than 150 people dead following earthquake in NepalSpeed Read The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers continue digging through rubble
-
Nearly 1,000 birds dead in one night after striking building in ChicagoSpeed Read The birds died after colliding with the McCormick Place convention center next to Lake Michigan
-
At least 1 dead at Burning Man as thousands remain stranded from floodingSpeed Read
-
Earthquake rattles Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary hitsSpeed Read
