On an ordinary July morning in Labrador, when the chilly breeze turned the sea glassy and clear, there was a ripple of something special—Micheal had returned to northern waters. There’s a peculiar kind of magic in these bays, best described by the way a whale like Micheal slides through them, as if the salt and spray know his name better than most.
In July of 1982, Micheal was sighted in Labrador, hugging the rugged coastline—a young upstart, he seemed at home dodging icebergs and stirring the gulls. Then, nothing but silence. Twenty-two turnings of the calendar drifted past, and some might’ve wondered if Micheal had chosen a different corner of the ocean to call home.
But the tale of Micheal only deepened with the sudden news of his arrival, not in the foggy Atlantic, but far south—Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, basking in February sun. It’s a spot famous for wintering whales, and perhaps he was swapping ice for sunshine, filling his lungs with tropical air and his heart with wanderlust.
Years slipped by again, a span stretching nearly two decades. Then, in the summer of 2022, a modest buzz spread through Bonavista Bay—Micheal surfaced, his grand tail unmistakable near Duntara, delighting anyone lucky enough to spot him. Three sightings sewed him back into the fabric of Newfoundland’s coast, like a long-lost friend dropping by without warning.
Have you seen Micheal? If this remarkable traveller has graced your favourite stretch of sea, share your sightings and photos. Your stories help weave together his journey and shine a light on the mysteries of migration and forgotten ocean wanderings.
Fun Fact
Humpback whales like Micheal can travel more than 5,000 kilometres between their northern feeding and tropical breeding grounds. That's like swimming the entire length of Canada!
Micheal’s Sightings
Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
July 1, 1982
Silver Bank
February 15, 2004
Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
July 27, 2022
Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
July 27, 2022
This is Happywhale's real data for this whale. The story above was generated based on these details, and a few creative assumptions.
Share Micheal's Story
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By submitting to Happywhale, your sighting can become part of Micheal's data. Not only will it make their story richer for the next time they're spotted, but you'll become part of a global citizen science effort to better understand our oceans and the humpback whales that call them home.