A Whale Named Hope: How a sand sculptor is helping save the whales

VENTOR CITY, New Jersey -- John Gowdy has been a lifeguard along the Jersey Shore for decades and doesn't recall ever seeing a whale in the ocean.

But in January, after another 30-foot humpback washed ashore near Atlantic City, he decided to do something to help bring awareness to the issue affecting his beloved Jersey shore.

Why are so many whales washing ashore in recent months?

According to CNN, there have been a number of humpback whale deaths that have alarmed citizens and officials along the east coast.

So far in 2023, there have been 10 humpback whale deaths along the coast.

So, he began sculpting 48-foot life-size sculptures of a Humpback whale and its offspring.

As he was working, a little girl came up to him and named the whale, Hope.

"I said what a great name. Her little brother named the little whale, Apple.

So, we have Hope and Apple," he said while putting the finishing touches on his sculpture.

"The children realize these whales are endangered, and the children will be around a lot longer than us.

Let's save the species for them, the children.

The 48-foot true-to-scale sculpture of the humpback whale took John Gowdy weeks to complete.

It is located at Suffolk Ave and the Beach in Ventnor, NJ.

He says he made it not far from where two Humpback whales are buried after washing ashore in January this year.

It is a beautiful piece of art that also doubles as the stage for a big rally, memorial and protest where concerned residents, politicians and the art community came together to voice their concerns and ask questions.

Singer/songwriter Johnny Higbee performed his song "Save the Whales" atop the sand sculpture at the rally.

He wants people who see his creation to take notice, ask questions, speak to their legislators and hopefully find out why so many have washed ashore.

To find out more about sand sculptor John Gowdy you can visit his website at https://www.johngowdy.com.