By: Erice Zhang

Imagine you are just in a boat off the Irish coast, and suddenly, a wave of water splashes on you! What just happened? Then, you see a whale in the water. Wait, that’s not any ordinary whale. It’s a North Atlantic right whale!

On July 21, 2024, people spotted a North Atlantic right whale. The whale is the world’s most endangered species of whale. It is believed by reporters to have fewer than 350 left in the wild oceans. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) said they found it swimming near Sliabh Liag, Country Donegal. IWDG noted that it was an “exceptionally a rare record,” and the last time they spotted the type of whale was around Ireland in 1910.

The whales are usually found off the coast of North America. Reporters describe them as like tanks in the water- heavy, wide, and dense while beingcurious, acrobatic animals. The North Atlantic right whale has been listed on the endangered species list since 1970. Recently, heavily industrialized oceans and fishing practices are putting whales in danger, and it is believed NAR whales could be extinct within the next 20 years!

Because the whale was rare, IWDG asked people not to seek out the whale and only observe it from the shore.

“There is an enormous onus on us all to ensure this whale remains as long as it needs in Donegal Bay, where it’s most likely feeding on tiny copepods (tiny crustaceans) without having to run the gauntlet of small craft and sightseers,” IWDG said, “As with all whales, they have full protection under Irish law… this is our chance to help a population of whales on the very brink. Please give it space.”

Finding the North Atlantic right whale is very rare to this day. And the next time the type of whale appears anywhere, people will be shocked and amazed!