It is already a tradition! In September, we celebrate the return of the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Costa Ballena with the annual Whales and Dolphins Festival held at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (the entrance is located in Bahìa).
The humpback whale is found in oceans all over the world.
They are highly migratory mammals. They breed and nurse their calves in the warm tropical waters (one of those places is Costa Rica), while they feed in high and middle latitudes.
There are two annual migrations:
The Northern Humpback whale visits Costa Rica between December and March, and the Southern whales, between July and October.
Average size: 12-15m
Food Source: crustaceans and fish
Longevity: At least 50 years
They are highly pacific animals, well-known for their amazing singing skills.
Status and Conservation: Due to the excessive hunting during the 20th century, its population was reduced to a 10% of the original. Nevertheless, most populations appear to be recovering. Estimations show a population of 18,000 individuals in the Northern Hemisphere (Pacific and Atlantic) and 17,000 in the Southern Hemisphere.
Event Information:
5th Annual Whale’s and Dolphins Festival
September 6, 7, 8, 2013.
September 13, 14, 15, 2013.
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Bahìa, Costa Rica
More info at http://www.fundacionketo.org
