This large female Gray Whale, and her youngster, came alongside the zodiac (boat) and allowed us to pet her and her offspring. This event was prohibited shortly after our visit. [Magdalena Bay, Mexico].
A Gray Whale surfaces and blows: Every fall, gray female whales migrate from the far north to Magdalena Bay to bear their young. They and their babies stay until early spring, at which time they return north to rejoin their pod. [Magdalena Bay, Mexico].
This baby Gray Whale has grown quite large since its birth this spring. At this age, the baby's skin is nice and smooth and free of barnacles. It will soon be ready to swim, with its mother, back to the far north to rejoin their pod. [Magdalena Bay, Mexico].
The Gray Whale baby (image) and its mother spontaneously came alongside the zodiac and actually laid their heads on the boat. They seemed to enjoy having their heads stroked--an intimacy no longer permitted! Note the skin is free of barnacles. [Magdalena Bay, Mexico].
Gray Whale baby being petted (L), while its mother swims away. It was a great thrill to have these wonderful animals suddenly appear, and unprompted, head straight for our zodiacs. Their voluntarily laying their heads on the boat elicited considerble affection from the visitors. They seemed to enjoy being being petted. This has now been prohibited lest someone take advantage of their vulnerability, and harm them. I can't believe such cruel people exist. [Magdalena Bay, Mexico].
