While all whale sightings leave a lasting impression on us and are unique in their own way, each member of the team still has a little crush on one whale in particular. We present to you these whales that have an extra special place in our hearts!
Simon and Guadeloupe
Since 2019, Guadeloupe has been a regular visitor to the St. Lawrence Estuary. Recognizable by her mostly white tail, she left the warm waters of Guadeloupe to come feed in our Quebec waters, a choice that distinguishes her from other humpback whales that spend the winter in Guadeloupe and usually migrate to the cold waters of Iceland and Norway.
It was the exceptional dynamism of Guadeloupe that immediately appealed to Simon. Chest thrusts, jumps in the air and contagious energy, Guadeloupe often gave him a real eyeful!
Robin and the Mysterious Whale
In 2021, Robin had the chance to encounter a whale that has never been seen in our area since. When it jumped into the air next to his boat, something particularly captivated him: its coloration was reminiscent of killer whales, a species that Robin is particularly fond of and that he is lucky enough to meet in the cold waters of Norway when he is not on the St. Lawrence. Thanks to our friend and photographer Renaud Pintiaux, we were able to capture images of this unique encounter.
Alice and Cocotte
Cocotte, also known as Irisept, has been known to the estuary since 1997. Cocotte is a huge humpback whale, imposing and majestic. In 2017, she moved the river community by returning to Gaspésie in the spring accompanied by a calf, revealing her tender motherly nature. Alice is particularly fond of Cocotte for her imposing stature, her loyalty to the estuary and her quality as a mother. Alice named her camping trailer “Cocotte la Roulotte”, a friendly tribute to this remarkable whale.
Julie and Gaspar
Gaspar won first place in Julie's heart in 2021, when she arrived in the estuary with her very active little calf. She was lucky enough to see these two whales slapping their pectoral fins on the surface of the water: Gaspar's huge pectoral and that of her calf, which seemed tiny next to it! Gaspar is often observed in the company of Cocotte and Julie finds it deeply touching that whales can develop what seems like social affinities.
These majestic whales continue to enrich our experiences and strengthen our passion for preserving marine life in the estuary of our beloved St. Lawrence River. Every encounter with a whale is a lesson in humility and a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural environment.
Thanks to Renaud Pintiaux for the photos.
