23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Big Baby

In the winter, the Polynesian islands are full of migrating humpback whales, coming to breed and raise their babies. This young female calf definitely did not know the meaning of personal space. She kept swimming circles around me until mom decided that playtime was over.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: French Polynesia
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Brittany Ilardi