Whales

The Role of the Cow Whale

The cow needs to prioritise eating and nutrition. She is responsible for migration to birthing and mating areas as well as for the nourishment of her calf. This requires that she has strong energy reserves and is able to withstand extreme water temperatures and extended periods of travelling, perhaps even food shortages. The thick layer of fat just beneath the skin’s surface acts as the reserve for this energy. The cow must be careful to conserve this energy, not wasting it on frivolous gallivanting.

In species where males play no role in the family pod, cows will form a matriarchal pod comprising sometimes large numbers of whales and their calves. In these cases, bulls will opt to join or form a bachelor pod, made up of only male whales, all searching for a suitable mate. The other cows in the matriarchal pod will then assist a new mother, helping the calf up to the surface of the water straight after birth for it to get its first breath of fresh air and aiding in its training.

Females generally mate in the winter as they are in warmer waters at this time. They will return to this area the following year, which means that they are then able to give birth in these temperate waters. During her gestation period, the cow will migrate to the icy waters of the northern hemisphere. These waters are rich in animal life and she will have ample opportunity to feed on a variety of fish, plankton and crustaceans, building her energy and strength.

The female is responsible for deciding if a male is suitable for mating. She should choose a strong, healthy bull to ensure that her calf stands the best chances of being big and healthy. The bull will serenade her, wooing her with his singing abilities. If another male is contending for the cow’s affections, they will fight it out, often injuring one another quite dramatically.

Once the calf is born, the male plays little or no role in its development and / or training. The bull is responsible for the physical protection of the mother and her calf, but that is where his responsibility ends for most whale species. The mother is depended upon to train the calf to take care of itself regarding feeding, breeding and migrating. She needs to teach the calf more than just instinct has emblazoned upon it, and she undertakes this task with much commitment.