In the azure waters off the Great Southern coast of Western Australia, southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) and their calves, embodying the quiet strength and beauty of these ancient waters. These intimate scenes captures the close bond between mothers and calves as they journey together through coastal waters.
In Nyoongar culture, whales herald the arrival of winter—a true marker of seasonal change. Although many southern right whales traditionally migrate south to Antarctic feeding grounds, recent research reveals that some remain closer to the southwestern Australian coast and the Great Australian Bight.
The sight of these magnificent creatures represents resilience, migration, and renewal, echoing the spirit of the Great Southern.
Once nearly hunted to extinction, the southern right whale population has been slowly recovering, with mother and calf pairs like these ones reminding us of the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect these majestic whales for future generations.