Rare Whale Sighting Thrills New England Aquarium Researchers

In a remarkable discovery, researchers from the New England Aquarium have spotted a rare species of whale during a recent aerial survey. The team photographed three True's beaked whales, believed to be two adults and a juvenile, over 150 miles southeast of Chatham, Massachusetts.

These "deep-diving" whales are an elusive sight, as they can hold their breath for hours while hunting for squid at great depths. According to Orla O'Brien, an aquarium research scientist and aerial survey coordinator, the chances of spotting one of these whales are extremely small. "People who maybe go out boating or something are not going to see these animals because they exist in deep water," she explained.

The recent sighting has provided valuable data on this little-known species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is limited information about True's beaked whales due to the rarity of sightings at sea. "Are they endangered? Are the populations in good shape?" O'Brien said. "We just don't have enough data on them."

The whales, which can weigh up to 3,000 pounds, are larger than dolphins and will dive thousands of feet to the ocean floor in search of their prey. "They're really interesting creatures," O'Brien added.