Mother’s Watch Unlike other marine newborns that are left to fend for themselves right aft

Mother’s Watch

Unlike other marine newborns that are left to fend for themselves right after birth, baby humpback whales(Megaptera novaeangliae)—called ‘calves’ (singular: 'calf’)—receive a great deal of parental care and attention. 

Humpback whale breeding and calving season coincide. So, while the other adult whales are doing their thing in the deeper parts of the ocean, mother humpbacks responsibly guide their calves to shallower and calmer waters, away from all the…fornicating.

Shallower waters offer the young whale protection from predators (like sharks and killer whales), minimize energy expenditure, prevent disturbance from other humpbacks, and make it easier for mother to keep watch. 

Moving to the shallows also keeps momma away from all those horny male whales, who can be pretty damn persistent during the breeding season. 

Image source: Vanessa Mignon

Reference:Smultea. 1994.