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.
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