In the ocean, few moms go harder than whales. From the moment they’re born, whale calves rely entirely on their mothers. Whale moms dedicate months — or even years — to raising their young, nursing them with milk that’s up to 50% fat. With this super-fatty milk, whale calves can grow remarkably fast. For example, a blue whale calf can gain around 200lbs per day!
Whale calves can’t nurse like land mammals. Instead, they nudge hidden nipples near the mother’s belly, which shoot milk directly into their mouths. The calves’ tongues have special flaps believed to help guide the milk toward the throat.
Many baleen whale mothers don’t eat for the first few months of nursing. Their priority is staying close to their calves to protect them from predators. Calves swim beside their mothers in a formation called “echelon,” using hydrodynamics to make swimming easier—though it makes things harder for mom.
Now that’s some motherly sacrifice!
Video by Paul Nicklen
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