Humpback whales, Maui, Hawaii

© Flip Nicklin/Minden Picture

King of the ocean. Humpback whales, Maui, Hawaii

If you ever want to feel insignificant, think about the sheer size of a humpback whale. Adult males can grow nearly 18 metres long, making them one of the largest mammals on Earth. You can see for yourself at the Maui Whale Festival in Hawaii and get right up close to these giant creatures. Humpback whales are known for their elaborate songs, which can travel far distances through the ocean. Each whale population has its own song, but it’s only the males that sing. Also, did you know that whales are a distant relative of hippos? Both evolved from a common ancestor.