The Lonely 52 Hz Whale

The 52-hertz whale is a mysterious and unidentified whale known for its unusually high-pitched calls, far above the range of known whale species. Detected since the late 1980s through underwater microphones, this whale has never been seen, but its signature song-distinct, variable, and now slightly lower at around 50 hertz-continues to echo through the Pacific Ocean. Its unique vocalizations and migration path, stretching from Alaska to California, don't match those of other whale species, adding to the mystery of its identity.

Though its voice is strange, the whale appears to be healthy and has likely matured over the decades, showing no signs of harm from its one-of-a-kind frequency. In 2010, recordings hinted that another whale might be singing at the same pitch, raising hopes that the 52-hertz whale may not be alone after all.

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