This population of right whales is one of the most endangered populations of large mammals anywhere in the world. This is our white rhino. This is our giant panda.

We're the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world and here we have one of the most endangered populations of large mammals in the world right out our back door. And I think it would be a shame if 100 years from now, this population became extinct because we didn't give it our all.

That's the most poignant thing of our season. There are no whales here to speak of.

A population like this couldn't stand too many years with only a couple of animals born into it.

This is an exciting year ... witnessing a population on the brink of extinction exhibit signs that it might actually make it, that it might have a fighting chance.

They're an urban whale, really, if you will. They're found near shore near these large, busy ports.