Thorn’s Video Documentary (27 Min)

Discover Thorn: The Enchanting “Magician” of the Gulf of Maine

Dive into a captivating **27-minute documentary** that reveals the extraordinary world of Thorn, a humpback whale whose playful charisma and rare talents have earned him the nickname “the magician.”

Thorn is known throughout the world research community as the whale who perfected blowing perfect social bubble rings.  They come in various sizes, small, medium and large.  Thorn on one occasion followed the ring up through the depths and spyhopped in the center of it.  This fascinating behavior, unique to Thorn is widely considered the highlight of Thorn’s documentary.

Thorn is an exceptionally sociable humpback, renowned for his bold, close approaches to whale-watching boats—often joined by companions from the Ultimate Whale Adoption Program. His interactions delight passengers and showcase the curious, confident nature of these majestic creatures.

Unforgettable highlights include Thorn and his frequent companion, Colt (known as the “friendliest whale in the world”), performing in perfect synchrony beside the boat:

– Spyhopping side by side, rising vertically to peer above the surface

– Powerful, exuberant blows echoing throughout the encounter

– Graceful dives beneath the vessel, emerging on the opposite side in what can only be described as an underwater ballet

– Rare moments of physical contact, with Thorn touching Colt—a behavior seldom witnessed from boats

Throughout the film, Thorn exemplifies the full spectrum of mature humpback behaviors, executed with unparalleled elegance and energy:

– Deep, extended dives into the depths

– Innovative bubble-net feeding, rolling over while slashing his tail in the bubble cloud

– Dramatic open-mouth lunge feeding at the surface

– Confident, curious boat approaches alongside other whales

These displays highlight the vibrant, dynamic lives of humpback whales in their natural habitat, blending power, grace, and intelligence in a truly mesmerizing portrait.