How are baby whales born?
As with all mammals, the whale calf grows inside the mothers uterus. A few sightings in the wild and several observations in captivity have allowed us to learn more about how they are born. • They are generally born tail first, but can also come out head first. • The newborn calf can start swimming, vocalizing, breathing and nursing right from birth. • The mother and other adults of certain species undertake relatively intense physical contact with the newborn calf. For example, they may push the baby to the surface, swim rapidly around it or pin it between their bodies for several minutes following birth.
