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Flukes and Fins: A Photo Appreciation of Whales (25 photos)

Today, the 200th birthday of the author Herman Melville, most famous for his book Moby Dick, seems like an appropriate moment to compile a collection of images of whales from around the world. Melville’s knowledge and appreciation of these magnificent animals, along with his storytelling skills, continue to make Moby Dick a compelling read. The real-world beauty of whales in their natural habitat continues to make them compelling creatures—protected now by ongoing conservation efforts, yet still threatened.

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A sperm whale sleeps, positioned vertically, as it is approached by a freediver in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius, on November 16, 2011. ( Alexis Rosenfeld / Getty)
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https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/08/photo-appreciation-of-whales/595336/