This Mother’s Day, we’re excited that one of our most popular mothers has made her way back into the Salish Sea — Big Mama (BCY0324) is back! After the outlawing of whaling, Big Mama was one of the first humpbacks to return to our area, marking the start of what we fondly refer to as the “humpback comeback,” and has since returned nearly every year, often with a calf in tow. Big Mama isn’t just a mother, though; she’s also a grandmother and great-grandmother! In fact, over 20 humpbacks can trace their lineage directly to Big Mama 🐋
📸: Naturalist Brooke on May 9, 2026
