North Atlantic Right Whale
Mother and Calf
Georgia's State Marine Mammal
In February of 1984, an expedition launched from
St. Simons Island discovered the calving grounds of
the North Atlantic Right Whale. Female whales
give birth in nearby coastal waters during the winter
months; But the young calves and their mothers are
in great danger - many are killed in collisions with oceangoing
vessels, and others die of unknown causes. Even as
Keith Jennings fashioned this sculpture in the fall and
winter of 1995, there were at least six mortalities. Now,
there are fewer than 300 right whales left.
This plaque is presented by the Ocean Society in
appreciation to the Whales in the Park Committee, the
Glynn County Board of Commissioners, Golden Isles
Arts and Humanities Association, sculptor Keith Jennings,
and the people of Glynn County for their continuing
efforts to protect this critical coastal habitat and to
raise awareness of the plight of the North Atlantic
Right Whale.
For it is in these waters that the destiny of the world's
most endangered whale will be written.
Courtesy hmdb.org
