Whales are majestic ocean creatures that have captivated human imagination and admiration for centuries.
Belugas are the only whales that can move their necks from side to side due to their uniquely structured vertebrae, allowing them to look around their environment.
While most whales swim closer to the surface, sperm whales can dive between 6,000 and 10,000 feet under the surface.
Orcas have great strength, with some reaching lengths of over 30 feet and weights of up to 12 tons.
Despite their size, whales are graceful swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 22 mph while traveling in the ocean.
Blue whales, the largest animals to ever live, can produce the loudest sound in the animal kingdom, reaching levels of up to 188 decibels.
One of the most social creatures, humpback whales often gather in groups of 5 to 30 to sing complex songs.
Baleen, a toothless filter-feeding apparatus, distinguishes some whales from those who have teeth for feeding.
Unlike other mammals, whales have a layer of blubber in their skin, which helps keep them warm and insulated in the cold ocean depths.
Whales can communicate with each other through a mix of various vocalizations, including clicks and whistles.
While whales can be found all over the world, some species are found in specific regions, such as the Gray Whale, which frequents the Pacific coast.