The operators of a San Diego whale-watching company on Sunday were greeted by a newborn gray whale that was without its mom and desperately craving milk.
Domenic Biagini, owner of Gone Whale Watching San Diego, stated via Instagram, “Today was far and away the most heartbreaking day I’ve ever had on the water.”
He added: “The young whale approached our boat multiple times, likely in a desperate attempt to nurse from our hull.”
Biagini’s description of the encounter is included in the video posted below. He was with his girlfriend and business partner Erica Sackrison, who stated in a separate post:
“The silent screams are deafening. A newborn gray whale without its mother. We waited, hoping to spot another whale nearby, but none ever appeared.”
Their posts provide more details and share their feelings of helplessness. But it’s worth noting, for context, that gray whales are presently migrating from Alaska to nursing areas off Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
Whale births often occur during the southbound migration, but it’s rare to encounter a baby whale without its momma. Sadly, newborn gray whales cannot feed or defend themselves if they become separated from their mothers.
As Sackrison stated, “Sometimes nature can really break your heart.”
