Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Catch me, mom!

This photo was taken in Vava'u, Tonga this year. It seems that the mother whale spreads both hands and catches the calf. Under the mother, a male called an escort watches the mom and calf. This year, I was able to see this affectionate mom and small calf contact many times.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2019
Date Uploaded: 09.2019
Photo Location: Tonga
Camera: NIKON D810
Copyright: © reiko takahashi