Whale, hello there! First 2 newborn right whale calves of the season spotted

Right whale sighting The first two right whale mother-calf pairs were spotted off the coast of Georgia this week. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

By Sarah Wilson

The first two right whale mother-calf pairs were spotted off the coast of Georgia this week.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the first pair was sighted on Wednesday off St. Catherines Sound in Georgia. Officials said the mother, “Medusa,” is at least 42 years old, and the baby is her seventh calf.

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The next day, another mother-calf pair was spotted off the coast of Little St. Simons Island, Georgia. Officials said that mom, “Archipelago,” is at least 20 years old and the baby is her third calf.

Officials said several potential mothers, females who have given birth in the past, were also sighted this week off the coast of Georgia.

Read: Here’s how Florida boaters can help protect right whales this calving season

There haven’t been any confirmed sightings of right whales off Florida yet this winter, but whales are likely in the area. Boaters are reminded to keep a lookout, use caution and report all right whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the USCG on VHF Channel 16.

There are fewer than 350 of the whales left, officials said, so protecting them is particularly important.

Read: Whale remains found off Florida coast lead to discovery of new species

A rescued pilot whale named Ava continues her road to recovery while under the watchful eye of the animal care team at SeaWorld Orlando.

A rescued pilot whale named Ava continues her road to recovery while under the watchful eye of the animal care team at SeaWorld Orlando.

A rescued pilot whale named Ava continues her road to recovery while under the watchful eye of the animal care team at SeaWorld Orlando.

A rescued pilot whale named Ava continues her road to recovery while under the watchful eye of the animal care team at SeaWorld Orlando.

A rescued pilot whale named Ava continues her road to recovery while under the watchful eye of the animal care team at SeaWorld Orlando.

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