ナショナルジオグラフィックさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ナショナルジオグラフィックInstagram)「Photo by @brianskerry | A humpback whale calf swims above its mom as two male escorts follow along in the waters off the Cook Islands. They had spent a few days in the shallow, protected waters around the islands and were heading out to open sea. Humpback moms invest a lot in their offspring, with a gestation that lasts nearly a year. A mom spends the first year of the calf’s life teaching it all the skills it will need to survive in the sea. These bonds are strong and are an important element of whale culture. This population of humpbacks feed in Antarctic waters during the summer, then migrate to the South Pacific in winter to have their calves. Being allowed into the world of these animals is a privilege and never ceases to be exhilarating for me! Coverage from my ongoing project for @natgeo. Follow @BrianSkerry to see more images of whales and marine wildlife. #whales #humpbackwhales #pacific #momandcalf #whaleculture」12月26日 4時36分