News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

September Photos Reveal a Missed Right Whale Calf

In this lesson: Separate observation, identification and birth timing.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Researchers identified a previously uncounted North Atlantic right whale calf in September photographs from Canada. It was seen beside Silt, its mother.

The New England Aquarium announced the finding this week after analysing images and data. Winter surveys had not recorded the pair.

The known seasonal total is now 24 calves. The discovery date differs from the likely birth period.

Source: Associated Press via CityNews, 2026-11-06. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/11/06/scientists-discovered-an-unknown-baby-right-whale-off-canada-they-say-its-a-cause-for-joy/

Read and practise

1. What did researchers analyse before announcing the finding?

   1. Images and data
   2. Only a new winter sighting
   3. Only a recording of whale sounds

2. Which dates should be kept separate?

   1. The discovery date and likely birth period
   2. The birth date and the publication date, both confirmed this week
   3. The discovery date and birth date, both confirmed as September

Your turn

Why does a later identification not imply a later birth?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/right-whale-silt-calf-count-canada-november-2026/level-2/