Happy 20th Birthday, Shackleton!

For more than 30 years, researchers with the New England Aquarium Right Whale Research Program have been studying the North Atlantic right whale population closely, examining various aspects of their lives including behavior, movements, reproduction, and interactions with humans, including fishing and shipping activities. It is a privilege to study such a small population and to become intimately familiar with individual animals. A real treat for researchers is when we have the opportunity to bear witness to and celebrate milestones in their lives.

To that end, we would like to wish Shackleton, Catalog #2440, a very happy 20th birthday! Born in 1994 to right whale "Wart" #1140, Shackleton caused quite a commotion as a young juvenile when he swam up the Delaware River and was hit by a tugboat. Thankfully, Shackleton survived the ordeal. In recognition of his grand adventure and his ability to survive in the face of danger, he was named "Shackleton" after the great Antarctic explorer who survived his own ordeal in exploration.

What better way to celebrate his big milestone than to sponsor Shackleton through our Right Whale Sponsorship Program! A right whale sponsorship makes a great gift for holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion. For more information on sponsoring Shackleton, visit the NEAq Right Whale Sponsorship page.