Humphrey the Wayward Whale episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 7, 2026 · 14 MIN

Humphrey the Wayward Whale

from History Dispatches · host Matt and McKinley Breen

In 1985, a Humpback whale deviated from its normal migration route on the way to the waters of Alaska from Mexico - and made its way into San Francisco Bay and up the Sacramento River. The whale - named Humphrey - became an International celebrity. It would take the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, researchers, scientists, and even the US Coast Guard, Army and Navy to lure Humphrey back to the ocean. And the best part is that - in 1990 - Humphrey did it again. This is the story of Humphrey the Wayward Whale. Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_the_Whale https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/humphrey-the-whale-bay-area-saga-20281317.php https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article312218999.html History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 7, 2026

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Humphrey the Wayward Whale

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