Pituca Vende

Much of the lives of our ocean’s wild inhabitants remains mysterious to us, but some behaviours are unequivocal and easily recognized. The bond between this mother whale and her calf, for instance, is undeniable and rooted in pure love. Newborn humpback whales stick close to their moms as they nurse on their rich milk for around six months, sometimes longer. During this time, the mother refuses to eat and focuses all of her attention on caring for and protecting her baby. With boat strikes, entanglement, and pollution on the rise, creating safe spaces for mother whales and their young has become more crucial than ever. Whales serve a vital role in decarbonizing our climate and supporting ocean ecosystems. Each new baby is a priceless addition to our changing planet, deserving our compassion and protection. Shot on assignment for @sealegacy with @scott.portelli #protectwhales #stopwhaling #humpbackwhale #babywhale #conservation #tonga

For me, it is mind blowing and refreshing when a country like Ecuador realizes the true value and importance of its wild ecosystems. The rules are strict, the protections are deep and here, the wildlife comes first. To walk or dive around these islands is a chance to go back a thousand years in time. This newborn Galápagos sea lion has been born into a bright future with clean beaches, waters abundant with fish and a park service that puts its rights first. Of course, like everywhere, it is not perfect and there is still work to be done but we are grateful for the opportunity to have a chance to turn our cameras towards these jewels of the sea. For with and .