The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weighing as much as 200 tons. Known for its immense size and striking blue-grey colouring, the blue whale roams all the world’s oceans, primarily in open waters. These gentle giants are filter feeders, subsisting almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill, which they consume in massive quantities. Despite their size, blue whales are graceful swimmers and can produce powerful vocalisations heard across great distances. Once nearing extinction due to whaling, blue whales are now protected but remain endangered, with ongoing conservation efforts critical to their survival.