The whales are one of Pi's favorite sea animals. He finds hope in them, saying: "these gentle behemoths always lifted my spirits. I was convinced they understood my condition, that at the sight of me one of them exclaimed  ‘oh! It’s that castaway with the pussy cat Bamphoo was telling me about! Poor boy. I hope he has enough plankton. I must tell Mumphoo and Tomphoo and Stimphoo ablout him. I wonder if there isn't a ship around I can alert. His mother would be very happy to see him again. Goodbye, my boy. I’ll try to help. My names Pimphoo.”