Whales

Whale - Adult

The adult cow (female whale) holds much responsibility as an integral member of her pod as well as in the birth and raising of her calf. Whales either travel in family pods, bachelor pods or matriarchal pods. A family pod consists of a cow, a bull and their calf. A matriarchal pod consists only of females and can contain dozens of animals, most of whom are related in some way (aunts, sisters, nieces, cousins, daughters and mothers). A bachelor pod is a group of bulls of similar ages. They do not necessarily have to be related.

Once a cow reaches sexual maturity, she will find a mate and either stick to that bull as they raise their young calf in a family pod, or return to her matriarchal pod directly after copulation. The adult bull will, in like manner, either stick to the cow with whom he mates (for the duration of the calf’s weaning), or will return to his bachelor pod to join his peers of adult bulls. If the cow returns to her matriarchal pod, the other cows assist her during birth (ushering the young whale to the surface of the water to take its first breath) as well as in the training of her calf. The mother is then responsible for teaching the calf how to feed, migrate and even breed.

The adult male’s role depends on the structure of his species. If his species follows the form of a family pod, he will be responsible for the protection of the mother and their calf. He is their escort and bodyguard as they migrate together as a unit. If the females of his species prefer to stick to a matriarchal pod, the male’s role is confined to one of impregnation. After copulation, he will return to his bachelor pod and continue his quest for willing mates. He will have no responsibilities regarding the care for or protection of his offspring.

Mating takes place every 2 to 3 years for the cow, as her gestation period lasts for between 10 and 14 months. Sexually mature whales will migrate to the warmer waters during winter and mate here so that, when they return the following year, their calves can be born in these more temperate conditions.

The life of the whale, both the bull and the cow, centres largely around copulation and the care for the young. While the adult male and female play significantly different roles, their responsibilities are complimentary and mutually beneficial.