Humpback Whale ID Update

Figured it out!

humpback whale mother and calf in tonga
Footage of this female humpback whale and calf was taken 26 September 2002

The video footage of the humpback whale female that I recognised in the 2009 National Geographic documentary was taken on 26 September 2002.

Michele Hall helped track down the fact that the footage was procured via BBC Motion Gallery. Then, I searched through the online archive and found her.

Here is the relevant clip.

This means I can document that this prolific female humpback has had babies in 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012! (Updated 2012 Humpback Whale Calf Count file)

...you wouldn't believe how giddy I am.