National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we dive beneath the waves to explore the world of whales. See why orcas are coordinating attacks against sailboats, discover the strange saga of Hvaldimir the "Russian spy whale," and learn how you can whale watch responsibly. Plus, top stories you may have missed.

A sperm whale swims with its calf.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN SKERRY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

This video captures a rarely seen sperm whale birth. It’s beautiful.

The last scientific record of a sperm whale birth was 1986, without audio or video. New recordings of the whales’ behavior during the birth will give researchers new insight.

A REMARKABLE EVENT

A group of orcas (killer whales) work together to hunt herring.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL NICKLEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Vengeance—or playtime? Why orcas are coordinating attacks against sailboats

The common denominator in dozens of incidents appears to be a mature female named White Gladis.

WHY ARE THEY DOING IT?

GOOD READS

1.

Where is Malaysian Airlines Flight 370? A simple barnacle could help lead us to the missing plane.

2.

Extremely rare spotless giraffe born in U.S. zoo

3.

Alcohol is killing more women than ever before

4.

Today's 5-year-olds will likely live to 100. What will their lives be like?

A 25-foot-long dead humpback whale calf lies on the beach after it washed ashore on a beach in New York.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES

Dead whales are washing up on the East Coast. The reason remains a mystery.

The recent whale deaths have fueled misinformation that offshore wind turbines are to blame, but scientists say it's not the true culprit.

INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF DEATH

KNOWN TO DIVE TO GREAT DEPTHS IN SEARCH OF FOOD, HOW LONG CAN A SPERM WHALE HOLD ITS BREATH?

A. 40 MINUTES
B. 90 MINUTES
C. 130 MINUTES

CLICK TO SEE IF YOU'RE RIGHT!

White whale floats heavy shadow on one side has light cascades on the left side of the whale highlighting the teal water.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICH GERMAN

The strange saga of Hvaldimir the ‘Russian spy whale’

Four years after he first appeared in Norwegian waters wearing a camera harness, the beluga whale is on the move—and may be in danger.

A WHALE WITHOUT A POD

A gray whale “spyhops,” a vertical position that allows the whale to check out its surroundings,

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS P. PESCHAK, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Whale watching is booming. Here’s how to do it responsibly.

These tours are generally beneficial for whales, but they can also stress them out. Here’s how to ensure that your trip does more good than harm.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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