Decades ago, blue whales were on the verge of extinction. THE the biggest animals to have ever lived on Earth (including dinosaurs), the species was a huge target for whalers hunting their precious blubber, especially in the early 1900s after the invention of mechanized harpoons and displacement factory ships fast. In the 1930-31 season alone, 30,000 blue whales died, according to the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
In response to this mass slaughter, the IWC banned the hunting of blue whales in 1966. Under increased protection, the near-extinct species has steadily recovered in recent decades. Blue whales: the return of the giants (2023) is a new documentary delving into this remarkable story of survival and reconstruction, now viewable daily in 2D at the American Museum of Natural History.
Narrated by Andy Serkis and directed by Hugh Pearson, the 45-minute film explores the fascinating underwater life of blue whales and offers an up-close look at a relatively understudied creature, historically difficult to research due to the still small size of its population and its wide distribution across the ocean. The film also shows the extreme research missions undertaken by marine biologists in an effort to learn more about these ocean titans.
Through the lens of two different marine expeditions, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about the searchers’ quest to find an extinct population of whales off the coast of East Africa and join Diane Gendron – known as the “Blue Whale Whisperer” – and her team as they study whale families in the Gulf of California.
Since yesterday July 10, the public can book timetables tickets online to view the film at the museum’s LeFrak Theatre, located on the first floor. Prices start at $28 for adults, $16.50 for children ages 3-12, and $22.50 for seniors and students. Members are invited to watch the film for free.
