Grey Whale

The Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is known for its epic migrations and friendly behavior towards boats. These baleen whales are unique for their bottom-feeding habits and their annual journey between Arctic feeding grounds and Mexican breeding lagoons.

Grey Whales are remarkable for their long migrations and unique feeding behavior. They can travel up to 14,000 miles annually, and are the only baleen whales that feed by scooping up sediment from the ocean floor. Their friendly nature has earned them the nickname “friendly whale.”

Video: Grey Whale in Action

Physical Characteristics

Size: 40-50 feet in length, 30-40 tons
Appearance: Mottled gray with white patches
Distinctive Features: No dorsal fin, short baleen plates
Lifespan: 50-70 years in the wild

Cultural Significance

Grey Whales have been important in the cultures of coastal indigenous peoples and have become a symbol of successful whale conservation. Their recovery from near extinction is considered one of the great conservation success stories.

Conservation Status

Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Fun Facts

They can migrate up to 14,000 miles annually
They are the only baleen whales that feed from the ocean floor
They have the shortest baleen plates of any whale
They can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes
They often approach boats out of curiosity

Additional Information

For more detailed information, visit the Wikipedia page for Grey Whale.

Steven Smethurst