California Gray Whale Migration

California gray whales undertake one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling about 12,000 miles round-trip each year. Their journey begins in feeding grounds in the Arctic, where they eat and build up energy. They then migrate south along the California coast to breeding and calving lagoons in Baja California, Mexico, during the winter months. In spring and summer, they return north to the Arctic to feed. This migration allows them to optimize feeding and reproductive opportunities, demonstrating remarkable endurance and navigation skills essential for their survival.