Incredible close up footage of baby humpback whale and his mother

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where people can get into the water with Humpback whales. To swim in the presence of such magnificent animals is beyond awe inspiring. This mother humpback has come to these peaceful waters to have her baby, safe from predators such as orcas and large sharks. A newborn calf would be easy prey for such animals.The humpback cow will nurse her calf for several months before he is big enough and strong enough to follow her north to colder waters where they will feed of small fish, krill, and shrimp. He will eat enormous amounts in this time to put on as much weight as possible. A large male, also known as a bull, can be seen with the mother and her baby. These males are known as escorts. They will often wait patiently, protecting the young family in the hope that it will secure him breeding rights when the time comes for the female to mate again.