Secrets of the Whales is a celebration of the lives, personalities and cultures of whales.

Whales have captivated humanity for centuries but, despite our fascination, most of us have had only brief glimpses of these majestic animals, and little has been understood about their lives.

Brian Skerry’s work illuminates the latest scientific research which shows that whales, like humans, have traditions and complex societies. His latest work focuses on four key species: sperm whales, humpbacks, orca and beluga whales. Within genetically identical species, whales have their own languages or dialects, and their own food preferences. For example, in New Zealand waters orca prefer to feed on stingray, while in Norwegian waters they prefer herring, and in each location they have developed techniques for capturing their preferred foods.

Whales celebrate their identity and their home. When two sperm whales meet in open waters, the first thing they tell one another is where they are from: “I’m from Dominica” or “I’m from the Azores.” The knowledge and wisdom whales have about the areas where they live has been acquired over the ages and is passed on to each new generation.

Many whale families are matrilineal, being led by older, wiser females. Mothers teach their babies not only skills needed to survive, but also family traditions. Family is very important to these animals. When a beluga calf is born, the family names the calf after the mother, but once the young whale has begun to speak “beluga language” it is given its own name. Humpback mothers “whisper” to their calves to avoid noise while swimming in areas where there might be predators. Whales are highly social creatures, sharing joy, playing games, having singing competitions and even mourning the loss of family members.

Brian Skerry hopes that by seeing these animals through the lens of culture, we might begin to understand how much we have in common with whales, and also with other species. Maybe with this new perspective we will see our direct connection to nature, and be moved to take better care of our home, the Earth.

Instagram: @BrianSkerry

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