Product Description
Gray Whale, Grey Back, Marine Mammal, Museum Quality, Hand Painted, Educational, Rubber Animal, Realistic, Diorama Model, Kids, 7 1/2 Inches.
Once common throughout the Northern Hemisphere, gray whales are now only regularly found in the North Pacific Ocean where there are two extant populations, one in the eastern and one in the western North Pacific. Gray whales earned the nickname “devil fish” because of their aggressive reactions when harpooned. Commercial whaling rapidly brought both Pacific populations to near extinction. International conservation measures were enacted in the 1930s and 1940s to protect whales from over-exploitation, and in the mid-1980s the International Whaling Commission instituted a moratorium on commercial whaling. Gray whales are known for their curiosity toward boats in some locations and are the focus of whale watching and ecotourism along the west coast of North America. Gray whales make one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling about 10,000 miles round-trip and in some cases upwards of 14,000 miles. On their migration routes they face threats from vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and other sources of disturbance. These large whales can grow to about 49 feet long and weigh approximately 90,000 pounds. Females are slightly larger than males. Gray whales have a mottled gray body with small eyes located just above the corners of the mouth. Their pectoral flippers are broad, paddle-shaped, and pointed at the tips. Lacking a dorsal fin, they instead have a dorsal hump about two-thirds of the way back on the body, and a series of 6 to 12 small bumps, called “knuckles,” between the dorsal hump and the tail flukes. The tail flukes are nearly 10 feet wide with S-shaped trailing edges and a deep median notch. Calves are typically born dark gray and lighten as they age to brownish-gray or light gray. All gray whales are mottled with lighter patches. They have barnacles and whale lice (i.e., cyamids) on their bodies, with higher concentrations found on the head and tail.
At Collectible Wildlife Gifts, we cater to a diverse clientele, encompassing families, friends, and educators. Our offerings have garnered the trust of professional organizations, including aquariums, zoos, and movie studios, who rely on our quality and educational value.
Our extensive product line features a variety of items, ranging from plush sharks to educational resources showcasing animal growth cycles. Each product is designed not only to bring joy but also to serve as an effective tool for learning. Whether you’re looking to inspire curiosity in a child or enhance an educational curriculum, our products spark interest and foster a love for the natural world.
We believe that learning should be an adventure, and our gifts make exploring nature fun and engaging. With every item, we aim to create memorable experiences that encourage conversations about wildlife and conservation. Our plush toys provide comfort while igniting the imagination, and our educational materials promote understanding and appreciation for various species.
Join us in celebrating the wonders of nature. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or seeking educational resources for a classroom, Collectible Wildlife Gifts has something for everyone. Explore our collection today and discover the perfect gift that will delight recipients of all ages while nurturing their love for wildlife and learning. Let us help you make a meaningful impact with gifts that inspire and educate.