Blue whales, the largest known species on Earth, are sometimes referred to as Sibbald's rorqual, great blue whale, or simply blue whale. These magnificent creatures were once hunted almost to extinction, but since receiving protected status in the 1960s, their populations have slowly started to recover. Despite their name, blue whales are actually a rich, mottled grey color, with distinct light gray patches on their back and sides. Although they are one of the most easily recognizable species of whale, their immense size and deep ocean habitats make them difficult to study. Nonetheless, scientists and conservationists continue to work tirelessly to understand and protect these magnificent creatures for future generations to enjoy.