Feeding Time: A Mammoth Task for Humpback Whale Mothers
Human mothers may think they have it tough when it comes to breastfeeding, but they should consider the humpback whale mother’s experience. These gentle giants need several hours to feed their young, and it’s no wonder why: a baby humpback consumes about 150 gallons of milk per day. That’s more milk than a large family might go through in a year, and this baby humpback does it in a single day to maintain its weight gain. It’s a logical necessity when you consider that adult humpbacks weigh around eighty tons, and even a newborn weighs about one ton. These rapidly growing creatures require a tremendous amount of nourishment.
Whale Milk: A Rich and Fatty Delicacy
Whale milk is incredibly fatty, which undoubtedly plays a significant role in helping the young humpback grow. One might wonder if humans ever found a way to harvest whale milk, would they do so, and what would be the consequences for the population? The consistency of whale milk is said to be similar to toothpaste, thanks to its high fat content. This allows the young whale to receive the nutrients they need and continue to grow. However, the idea of harvesting whale milk seems rather profane, considering the already dwindling whale population. Depriving their young of their essential food supply for the sake of obtaining something so rare could be a dangerous proposition.
Feeding Underwater: A Delicate Balance
A mother whale’s milk is thick and rich in fatty content because they must deliver the milk to their young in a way that ensures the nutrients are passed along, allowing the whale to grow. If the milk were to be released into the water, there’s a good chance that the young whale would not receive enough nutrition. This is why the young whale suckles at their mother’s nipple for a few minutes at a time before having to surface and catch their breath. The mother will typically remain very still for the hours it takes her young one to feed, appearing as immovable as a tank as she patiently rests in the water.
Whale Patience: A Testament to Motherly Love
The ability of a grown whale to hold herself still in the water for so long is incredibly impressive, especially since she makes it look so effortless. In the clip, the young whale seems to struggle with this, as she continues to surface and flip about as though in play. Eventually, the youngster uses her mother as a sort of stationary resting spot where she can stay underwater for a more extended period. However, since a young whale is not yet adept at holding their breath, they still have to surface now and again.
Just imagine having to feed your child 150 gallons of milk a day and stay absolutely still for it. In this regard, humans undoubtedly have it easy.
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