Humpback Whale

Humpback Whales are one of the largest species of baleen whale, averaging a length of 1 to 16 metres and weighing 25 to 30 metric tons. Named for the small hump on their dorsal fin, humpback whales are known for their complex breaching behaviours that make them popular with whale watchers.  

Humpback Whales can be found in the North Pacific, Atlantic, Southern Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Though these whales do not often cross the equator, they have been observed at Cape Verde, meaning there could be a population in the lower hemisphere.  

These playful creatures live off their blubber in the colder months, only hunting in summer. They are carnivorous, eating mostly krill, small crustaceans, and schooling fish. They have several hunting techniques: direct attack, stunning with a slap to the water, or creating a ‘bubble net’ around their prey.  

Humpback Whales are intelligent, with brains weighing up to a ton. They can travel over 25,000km and remember locations, can organise hunting group techniques, and have been known to play with and protect other species such as dolphins, seals, smaller whales, and humans. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that these whales may be able to recognise and remember certain humans and other species.  

Humpback Whales have elaborate courtship rituals, which take place in the winter. Males form competing groups around females they want to mate with. They compete by song, breaching, charging, sparring, tail- and fin-slapping, and elaborately moving. As males are unsuccessful, they leave the group. Female humpback whales breed every 2 to 3 years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes. Humpback whales have hybridized with other whale species, such as blue whales.  

Humpback Whales exhibit a range of behaviours. Singing, breaching and jumping, slapping their tails, congregating, group hunting, and playing with other animals are just some of the playful activities these unique creatures engage in.