Blue whale

Blue Whales

Blue whales are the largest animals that have ever lived! They can grow as long as a big school bus and weigh as much as many elephants together. These gentle giants live in oceans all around the world, but you won't find them in the Arctic or the Mediterranean seas.

Blue whales have long, slender bodies that are usually a pretty grayish-blue on top and lighter underneath. They travel huge distances every year. In the warm summer months, they go to colder places near the poles to feed on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill. In the winter, they move to warmer areas near the equator to rest and have babies.

These wonderful whales mostly like to travel alone or in very small groups. They are very good at finding food. Blue whales can swallow huge amounts of water and krill together, then push the water out through special plates in their mouths to keep the krill inside to eat.

Even though blue whales are protected from hunting now, they still face some dangers like busy ships and loud ocean sounds. People all over the world work hard to make sure these amazing creatures stay safe and healthy. Blue whales can live for many years — sometimes even up to 90 years!