Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

On The Big Screen Trail Of Blue Whales - And The Value Of Our Oceans

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published June 4, 2024 at 9:11 PM EDT

Blue whales in the film “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D.”

Blue whales are the largest animals known to have ever existed on Earth.

They were plentiful in nearly all of our oceans until the end of the 19th Century, hunted almost into extinction until a worldwide ban on blue whale hunting nearly 60 years ago - and to this day, they remain scarce.

Dr. Diane Gendron is known as the “blue whale whisperer.”

She has spent more than three decades studying the marine mammals in Mexico’s Gulf of California - creating a database of more than 700 blue whales.

This Thursday, Dr. Gendron visits Chattanooga - and she will participate in a discussion at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater after a 6 PM screening of the film “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D.”

Thom Benson is with the Aquarium.