A Whale's First Breath

The newborn humpback whale calf, named Tantabiddi by researchers, is lifted clear of the water to take its very first breath near Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Marine mammal researchers in Western Australia documented what they believe was the first breath of a prematurely born humpback whale.

Curt and Micheline Jenner of the Center for Whale Research were conducting a whale survey when they saw bloody water around one whale, indicating a birth had just taken place.

The newborn calf appeared to be floundering in waters several degrees cooler than the humpback’s main breeding area off Australia’s northwestern coast.

That’s when the mother dived below the surface, got underneath her offspring and lifted it into the air for several seconds.

Mr. Jenner told WAtoday.com that’s when the calf went from being virtually lifeless to swimming around “like a wind-up toy being lowered into the bath.”

The research pair say watching the whale they named Tantabiddi take its first breath was equivalent of finding the “holy grail” in whale science.

“We just hope that human activities haven't precipitated a premature birth and this little whale ... has a long and fruitful life,” Mr. Jenner said.

Photo: Micheline Jenner - Center for Whale Research (Western Australia)