2026 is off to a hopeful start for these critically endangered whales

At least 18 new baby North Atlantic right whales have been spotted swimming with their mothers. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. While most of us were feasting on holiday foods over the past few weeks, the New England Aquarium was busy counting North Atlantic right whale () mom-calf pairs off the coast of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. "Congrats to all of these North Atlantic right whale moms!" reads a social media post by the aquarium highlighting six recent sightings, including Juno--an over 40-year-old mother with her ninth documented calf spotted on December 27. On January 8, the count jumped up to 18 calves, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium .