A whale that goes by the name of 52 has become known as the loneliest whale in the world. Though it has never been spotted, scientists only know of its existence because its sounds have been picked up through sonar detectors, and 52 got its name because of the frequency of its songs—52 hertz. Its species is unknown, but the hertz level is one of the highest amongst whales and is not recognized by other whales. Because other whales do not recognize its call, it is never answered, and 52 is left all alone. The whale generally travels alone from the California area to the North Pacific, and it is believed that he has always traveled on his own. Scientists guess that the whale could be a mix between a blue whale and another species, but, without a sighting, they cannot be certain.
Mary Ann Daher has spent a number of years researching 52 and has published papers on the whale and her discoveries. She has received mail from all over the world from people with heartbreaking messages, saying that they can relate to the whale and its loneliness. There have even been songs and stories written about 52. A British rock band released a song called “The Loneliest Whale in the World”, while there is a children’s book by a German author entitled 52 Hertz Wal. Scientists and marine enthusiasts alike continue to search for 52, with hopes to better understand the creature and find it a mate.