Are blue whales extinct?

Whales are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment. During the 20th century, the blue whale was an important whaling target and even after it was protected and commercial whaling stopped in 1966, exploitation efforts by the former Soviet Union persisted. read more

Blue whales are baleen whales, which means they have fringed plates of fingernail-like material, called baleen, attached to their upper jaws. The giant animals feed by first gulping an enormous mouthful of water, expanding the pleated skin on their throat and belly to take it in. read more

The blue whale is not only one of the most well-known species of whale, it’s also the largest known whale in existence growing to lengths of over 100 ft and weighing more than 150 tons; although 60 – 80 ft. is more common. read more