Whales

The Baby - Calf

The life of adult whales is centred on the birth of and care for whale calves. Mating, gestation and birth requirements and conditions determine the feeding and migratory patterns of these magnificent animals more than any other factors.

Whales give birth every 2 to 4 years. The gestation period differs according to the species, but is anywhere between 10 and 14 months. The calf is born in a breech position (tail first) and is usually about a quarter of the length of its mother. The little bundle can weigh up to 1 ton at birth! This birth weight depends on the species of whale and ranges from anywhere between this hefty figure and 2700kg. Twins are extremely rare and, in the 1% of instances that do occur, almost none survive for any significant period of time as the mother is only equipped to nurse one calf.

As soon as the calf is born, the mother or the other cows (in the case of a matriarchal pod as opposed to a family pod) will assist it to the surface of the water, ‘carrying’ and pushing it with their fins. Although the calf is able to swim from birth, this first breath is so vital that the cow(s) prioritise it.

The calf will nurse from its mother’s teats hidden in mammary slits on her abdomen. Because they do not breathe through their mouth, there is no danger of milk entering into the lungs. The milk is rich in fats and nutrients that enable the calf to grow in leaps and bounds during the first few months of its life. The milk has a similar consistency to that of toothpaste. Nursing is done close to the surface of the water where water pressure and temperature are optimal to allow for ease of feeding. It also allows the calf to get fresh air without having to travel for too long before reaching the water’s surface.

Baleen calves will nurse for between 4 and 11 months, and toothed whales for between 2 and 3 years. Toothed whales need to develop enough to be able to catch, chew and digest more solid food than baleen whales, who let it pass over their baleen plates as a way of sifting through the prey available. Baleen calves are weaned by their first summer. This means that they are completely independent of their mother’s milk and are able to live off solid food only.

Within the pod, the baby is well protected by either the bull escort of the family pod, or by the protective cows of the matriarch pod. Whales are able to give their young plenty of training and attention as they only bear one calf at a time. Calves will stick close to their mother and will receive training from her regarding survival skills, breeding, migrating, and feeding.