It was the first time researchers had successfully sedated a large whale of any type, according to NOAA. To do so, they had to use two cups worth of tranquilizer and a foot-long needle.

CNN: Endangered right whales appear to be on the rebound

Once upon a time, America was the Saudi Arabia of whale oil, the fuel of its day.

CNN: America, the Saudi Arabia of tomorrow

There's barely time to understand what's happening before a flash of silver whale's skin breaks the surface, dips beneath a wave and plunges down to the dark fathoms of the North Atlantic.

BBC: An Icelandic journey to the centre of the earth

Whale experts say they are frustrated by the amount of time the proposal has languished without a "yea" or "nay" from the Office of Management and Budget.

CNN: Plan to save whales strangling in red tape