Epic, revealing, and emotional, that’s what you get when immersed in the secretive world of whales and see life and love from their perspectives.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron, “Secrets of the Whales” plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals, and sperm whales. Featuring the expansive knowledge and skill of acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry, the four-part Earth Day special-event series unveils new science and technology to spotlight whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones. Filmed over three years in 24 global locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. This is a personal story that very few are lucky enough to witness … until now.
“Secrets of the Whales” is narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver and scored by French composer Raphaelle Thibaut. The series is created by Red Rock Films.
Key Firsts/Never-Before-Recorded Moments:
- FIRST TIME evidence suggested that Belugas give themselves names, so groups can keep track of each other; baby belugas share their moms’ call signs
- FIRST TIME scientists learned that a baby sperm whale suckled from its mother until they saw this footage
- FIRST TIME 30,000 humpbacks can be seen charging down the coast of Australia towards Antarctica and use breeches to talk to each other
- FIRST TIME ever a sperm whale calf is recorded feeding
- FIRST TIME cross-species adoption is ever recorded; Beluga pod adopts narwhal as part of the pod
For National Geographic, “Secrets of the Whales” is produced by Red Rock Films, who is known for their visually stunning and compelling natural history series and specials
From Red Rocks Films, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis is executive producer and Brian Armstrong and Andy Mitchell are co-writers/directors of the four-part special. For Earthship, James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm are executive producers and Kim Butts is associate producer. For National Geographic, Pamela Caragol is executive producer.
Premiering on Disney+ on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd
