What if I told you the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth is alive right now, living in our oceans, and it's even bigger than the biggest dinosaur. Today we're diving into the world of whales, the gentle giants of the sea. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite ocean explorers, let me say a big thank you to Wesley Brisson of Castle Rock, Colorado, who recommended Wales. This episode's for you. And if you'd like to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, get a birthday shout-out, or suggest an animal or nature topic, email us at nature lovingkidspodcast at gmail.com. Now, introducing my three favorite ocean explorers.
SPEAKER_00Hi, I'm Hattie, and I already have a feeling that whales are way bigger than I think. And I'm Dylan, and I want to hear whale noises. And I'm Ivy, and I'm ready for some jokes.
SPEAKER_01Good news, today we're learning about one of the most amazing animals God ever created. Let's start with the most incredible fact. The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived. Not just today, ever.
SPEAKER_00Even bigger than the biggest dinosaur.
SPEAKER_01A blue whale can grow to around a hundred feet long. What? That's about as long as three school buses lined up end to end.
SPEAKER_00That's gigantic.
SPEAKER_01It can also weigh up to 200 tons. That's roughly the weight of 30 elephants.
SPEAKER_00How does something that big even float?
SPEAKER_01Great question. The ocean helps support its massive body.
SPEAKER_00Want another crazy fat? Yaa! A blue whale's heart can weigh around 400 pounds.
SPEAKER_01Their heart is heavier than most grown-ups. It's about the size of a small car. Every heartbeat pushes blood through its enormous body.
SPEAKER_00I can't even imagine.
SPEAKER_01Some whales even do something really special. They sing.
SPEAKER_00Like singing songs? Kind of. Humpback whales create long, complex sounds that can last for minutes. Scientists call them whale songs. Why do they sing?
SPEAKER_01Scientists think the songs help whales communicate and find each other. Some whale sounds can travel hundreds of miles through the ocean.
SPEAKER_00That's like sending a text message through water.
SPEAKER_01Exactly. Alright, whale joke time. What do you have for us, Ivy?
SPEAKER_00What did the whale say to the other whale? What? Whale pits. Why do whales sing? Why? Because I can't talk.
SPEAKER_01Here's one of the strangest whale facts. The biggest animal in the world eats some of the smallest animals in the ocean.
SPEAKER_00Seriously?
SPEAKER_01Yep. Blue whales mostly eat tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill. A blue whale can eat millions of krill in a single day.
SPEAKER_00Millions?
SPEAKER_01That's right. It opens its giant mouth, takes in huge amounts of water, and filters the krill out.
SPEAKER_00I wish I could eat like that. You do. Many whales are incredible travelers. Some migrate thousands of miles every year. Why?
SPEAKER_01They travel to warmer waters to have babies and colder waters where food is plentiful.
SPEAKER_00Some whales make journeys longer than most people will ever travel in their entire lives.
SPEAKER_01Whales are also very intelligent. They can communicate, learn, remember, and care for their young. Some whales even work together to catch food.
SPEAKER_00So they're not just big, they're smart too.
SPEAKER_01Exactly. When we learn about whales, it's hard not to feel amazed. The Bible talks about great creatures of the sea that God created. And whales remind us of something important.
SPEAKER_00God's creation is bigger, more powerful, and more beautiful than we often realize. It's amazing that something so big lives in the ocean.
SPEAKER_01It really is. Animals like whales remind us of God's creativity and power. Alright, time for one more whale joke break. What do you have for us, Dylan?
SPEAKER_00What is a whale's favorite sandwich? Wet debuts. A grilled cheese. Do you know that whales can score ink? They can. Dress, wedding.
SPEAKER_01Think about this. Somewhere in the ocean right now, a whale larger than any dinosaur is swimming beneath the waves, singing songs that can travel for miles and caring for its baby calf.
SPEAKER_00That makes the ocean feel really big.
SPEAKER_01It does. And it reminds us how much wonder God placed in his world.
SPEAKER_00Whales aren't just the biggest animals on earth.
SPEAKER_01They're singers, travelers, caregivers, and some of the most incredible creatures in the ocean. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.
SPEAKER_00If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button. New episodes every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We read every one. And next time you see the ocean, imagine a whale swimming beneath.
SPEAKER_01Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember.
SPEAKER_00The world is full of wild wonders. Wheels are definitely stop.