Young Humpback Whale Turns the Hudson Into a New York Spectacle

Young Humpback Whale Turns the Hudson Into a New York Spectacle
A humpback whale was spotted in New York’s Hudson River last week, astonishing passengers aboard a sightseeing boat and spreading quickly across social media. The animal had been seen a day earlier near the Staten Island ferry terminal, before apparently moving into the river.

Chris St. Lawrence of Gotham Whale described the visit as “fairly rare,” though not unprecedented. Humpback whales generally remain in New York’s Lower Bay when they enter the area, but sightings in the Upper Bay and Hudson have occurred before. Reports cited by local observers include notable appearances in 2016, 2020 and 2024, with the 2016 whale remaining in the river for about a week.

The whale has not been identified, but experts believe it is a young, healthy animal. Scientists said it was likely feeding on menhaden, small fish seen in the river, as it followed migrating prey along the coasts of Long Island and New Jersey. Gotham Whale reported that dozens of humpback whales had been observed in New York and New Jersey waters in recent weeks.

Marine specialists linked the growing number of sightings over the past decade to cleaner water and greater food availability. At the same time, they urged residents, boaters and ship crews to reduce speed, avoid approaching the whale and report sightings to wildlife-protection organizations. Humpback whales are protected under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, and getting too close can lead to fines or other legal penalties.