Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 12:17

Hi im from St. Mark Catholic School, and I want to know if baby Bowhead Whales have to get there own food or does the mom or dad does. And how long do the Bowhead Whales live?

Anonymous

Hi! Wow, terrific question! The when a bowhead calf (that's what you call a baby whale) is born (usually tail first by the way!) they instinctively swim to their mother and begin to nurse soon after. They will nurse milk from the mother whale for 9-12 months. Scientists believe that bowhead whales can live more than 100 years! Amazing isn't it! They have come up with these age estimates in part by analyzing spear heads found embedded in whales, as well as chemical analysis of whale eyes from deceased whales. Keep those good questions coming!
Take care and safe seas!
Lisa

Anonymous

Slight correction-let's make the time the calf nurses to 6-12 months rather than 9-12....seems to be a debate amongst the scientific community!(: