The Pacific Whale Foundation’s reports that their raft the Ocean Journey, on its first whale watch of the day, came across the rarest of finds, a placenta in the water, presumed to be from a humpback whale.
A presumed humpback whale placenta. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Further details of the time, location and circumstances surrounding the discovery are still being determined.
It is generally accepted that humpback whales migrate to Hawai‘i’s waters to breed and calve their young, however an actual birth has not yet been documented. A humpback whale placenta would perhaps be the next best evidence of the birthing process taking place.
Scientists infer that the placenta is easily dislodged after the calf is born, and then simply floats away.
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