Evan Roberts

This story aired in the November 5, 2025 episode of Crosscurrents.

Shamu. Moby Dick. Keiko from “Free Willy.” If you’re from the Bay Area, your list of famous whales might also include a certain humpback whale that came to be known as Humphrey.

He took a wrong turn up into the Sacramento River in October of 1985. Scientists, marine biologists and passionate volunteers mounted one of the largest and most publicized whale rescues in US history.

It captured the attention of the country and one Bay Area town in particular.

This week marks 40 years since Humphrey found his way back to the Pacific. The town of Rio Vista, is waaaay up on the delta, east of Antioch. And the people there are holding onto the story of Humphrey the Humpback.

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