While humpback whales conduct some of the longest migrations of any animal in the world, this particular whale’s trip is nevertheless surprising. Humpback whales tend to follow the same longitudinal (north-south) migration patterns, usually visiting the same cold feeding grounds and warm breeding grounds, according to the study.

The adult male swam more than 8,000 miles from South America to Africa, most likely in search of a mate, researchers said.

Humpback whales have long impressed us with their incredible travel distances. Now, one impressive male has blown away the migration record.