Whales: From Hunting to Watching
In Whales: From Hunting to Watching, whale watchers discuss how seeing a whale makes them feel. In the past, whales were hunted for their oil, baleen, flesh, and bones; an estimated 3 million of them were killed. Now that this has stopped, numbers of humpback whales are increasing. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Natural World: Humpback Whales — A Detective Story, a documentary about our relationship with whales and their future alongside us.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do you think people who love whale watching are so fascinated by the activity?
A: People love whale watching because whales are majestic and intelligent creatures. Observing their behavior allows people to connect with nature in a meaningful way. It also offers a rare opportunity to witness whales in their natural habitat.
Q: Why do you think whale hunting was so common in the past?
A: Whales provided valuable resources for humans. They were hunted for their blubber, which was used to make oil for lighting lamps. This practice was essential for survival in many coastal communities and for industries during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Q: What significance did whale hunting have, and what goods did it produce to help people?
A: Whale hunting provided various essential goods, including whale oil, which was used for lighting and as an industrial lubricant. Additionally, whale bones were used in the production of items such as corsets, umbrellas, and tools.
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In The Herring Feast: Bubble Net Feeding, narrator Sir David Attenborough showcases a massive gathering of fish that provides a vital food source for both seabirds and whales, featuring an extraordinary humpback whale hunting technique. This video is an excerpt from BBC’s Nature's Great Events, a documentary series that showcases some of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth, exploring how life adapts to natural events that can transform entire landscapes.
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