OLogy Cards > humpback whale

Helping the Hunted Humpback
Hunting whales has long been a way of life in many cultures. Early whalers used small boats to hunt these 60-ton mammals! Later, whalers used larger ships called schooners to catch many whales on one trip. Whales were primarily hunted for their blubber, fatty material beneath the skin that was used to make oil for lamps since electricity hadn't been invented yet. Whalebones were also used to make jewelry and corsets that ladies wore beneath their dresses. During the 1800s, hunting whales became a big business, and the whale population dropped dramatically. During the 20th century, laws were passed to protect many whale species. Today, there are only about 35,000 humpbacks left. Humpbacks remain on the Endangered Species List, which protects them from whaling. These beautiful mammals have a long way to go, but with our help they are beginning to make a comeback.