This N.L. man took a selfie with a beached whale, and took his photography to a whole new level
Brendon Gould, a resident of River of Ponds, N.L., on the Northern Peninsula, recently captured the attention of social media users with a video showcasing the massive size of a sperm whale that washed ashore. Using his drone, Gould was able to provide a unique perspective on the sheer enormity of the creature, which had stranded on the beach.
In the video, which has garnered over 10,000 views, Gould can be seen lying next to the thawing and decaying sperm whale. Sperm whales are known to weigh between 15 and 50 tonnes and measure between 11 to 18 metres in length, making them one of the largest marine mammals in the world.
“I’m a tall feller,” Gould remarked in an interview with CBC News. “That’s pretty big alongside of me.” The footage captured by Gould offers a rare glimpse into the size and scale of these majestic creatures when they come ashore.
Despite the whale appearing frozen when Gould first encountered it, he noted that there wasn’t a strong odor emanating from the carcass. This allowed him to safely navigate the area and capture stunning aerial footage with his drone.
Sperm whales are known to inhabit deep waters and swim throughout the world’s oceans. While they are not considered an at-risk population in Canada, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lists them as an endangered species. Their presence in Canadian waters serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation efforts to protect these magnificent animals.
For more captivating stories and updates from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador, download the free CBC News app to receive push alerts and stay informed about the latest news in your region. Witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of a stranded sperm whale serves as a poignant reminder of the wonders of the natural world and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
