Two humpback whales break records in ‘a very rare event’
Two humpback whales have set new records by making separate crossings between Australia and Brazil, traveling over 9,000 miles. This rare event highlights the extensive range of these animals, as researchers used tail markings to identify the whales. The findings challenge previous understandings of the separation between whale populations in these regions.
- ▪The two whales traveled in opposite directions, surpassing previous distance records for humpbacks.
- ▪One whale journeyed just over 9,300 miles, breaking the previous record held by a whale that swam from Colombia to Zanzibar.
- ▪The study analyzed over 19,000 whale images and utilized recognition software to identify the whales based on their tail patterns.
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World News Two humpback whales break records in ‘a very rare event’ By Associated Press Published May 20, 2026, 12:08 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Scientists have spotted two humpback whales that made separate, record-breaking crossings between Australia and Brazil. The whales were identified by their distinctive tail markings at the two locations about 9,000 miles (14,500 kilometers) apart. They traveled in opposite directions and journeyed farther than any humpback known so far. 4 A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Australia. Pacific Whale Foundation via AP 4 The tail markings of a humpback whale, which was spotted at breeding sites in Australia and Brazil, are pictured.
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