North Atlantic right whale “Silt” (Catalog #1817) and her sixth known calf, seen off Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada in September 2026. Image: Mingan Island Cetacean Study, taken under permits MPO-LEP-QUE-2026-M013B and QUE-MAMMIFÈRESMARINS-009B-2026

The 2027 North Atlantic right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis ) baby season has officially begun. The calving season lasts from November through April, and is a particularly important stretch of time given that the species is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Due to their low numbers, scientists are closely monitoring these baleen whales . Yet even with all of that surveillance, one whale managed to keep a secret up until September.Experts spotted a known female and her previously unidentified calf from last calving season near Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada, according to the New England Aquarium .

The 38-year-old female right whale is called Silt. In addition to being a mother, Silt is also a grandmother and great-grandmother.…