The Tragic History of the Antarctica Whaling Industry
In The Tragic History of the Antarctica Whaling Industry, learn about the devastating impact of industrial whaling. Human activity has transformed the Southern Ocean, nearly driving iconic species like the blue whale and southern right whale to extinction. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
Sir David Attenborough showcases the wonders of our planet's seven continents — from frozen tundras to dense jungles — where life always finds a way.
Lesson Express
Q: How many whales were slaughtered in Antarctic waters?
A: More than 1.3 million whales were killed.
Q: How did humans in the whaling industry use whale blubber?
A: The blubber was boiled down to make margarine and soap.
Q: What was the largest animal ever recorded?
A: The largest animal recorded was a 108-foot (33-meter) blue whale killed in the whaling industry.
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