The Ultra-Friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon

ACS Monterey Bay Program for May 2004

Thursday, May 27, 2004
7 p.m. Refreshments, 7:30 p.m. Program
Lecture Hall, Monterey Boatworks, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove (Across from American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores)

Speaker: Jerry Loomis, President of ACS/MB and retired Marine Ranger at Point Lobos State Reserve

To visit the gray whales in their breeding/calving grounds in Baja California is one of the world's greatest wildlife experiences. Not only are these large mammals eminently viewable but the calves offer the unique gift of approaching small boats (pangas) to allow themselves to be touched. Making eye contact with one of these beautiful creatures is an experience never forgotten.

All of this is made possible when the mother/calf pairs venture down to the lagoon entrance from its inner recesses in late February and March. Here, prior to departure for Alaska, the calves strengthen their endurance, interact with other similar pairs and allow their curiosity to bring them alongside and, literally, within reach of visitors.

Jerry has now done several lagoon trips as naturalist for Baja Expeditions. He is well known for his natural history talks and exciting photography and his presentation will transport the audience to the comfortable tented camp environment with its daily routine of whale watching and touching encounters, mangrove explorations (marvelous water birds) and desert walks. "The campsite on the shore of the whale-crowded waterway is wonderful, with beach combing, and great food awaits you on return". Night provides a totally darkened sky filled with myriad stars.

Please join Jerry as he revisits and shares his joy in this beautiful, environmentally rich area as these same mothers and calves are passing near our shores on their long journey north and the "great food that awaits them".

Related web pages:

Baja Expeditions
ACS Whale Watching Trips
Links to additional information and photos of Gray Whales