72 Southern Right Whale Pairs at De Hoop
On 2 October, the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit shared an exciting update from the 2026 Southern Right Whale Aerial Survey.
Flying from Witsand to Arniston, the team counted 72 cow-calf pairs and two unaccompanied adults along the De Hoop coastline.
With clear sea conditions and exceptional underwater visibility, the aerial survey offered a breathtaking view of these gentle giants resting in the shallow, turquoise waters.
De Hoop Nature Reserve is an important nursery area for Southern Right Whales, providing sheltered waters where mothers can nurse their newborn calves.
Images: UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
