What is a baby whale called?

A baby whale is known as a calf. They are typically born tail first to minimize the risk of drowning. Calf whales are dependent on their mothers for milk and protection for the first few months of their lives. They usually stay close to their mothers and may nurse for up to a year or longer, depending on the species.

Calves grow rapidly during their first year of life, gaining weight and strength from their mother's milk. They are playful and curious, often seen swimming alongside their mothers and engaging in behaviors such as breaching, spyhopping, and tail slapping.

Like adult whales, calves rely on echolocation to navigate and communicate with others in their pod. They learn important skills from their mothers and other members of the pod, including hunting techniques and migration routes.

Whale calves face many threats in the wild, including pollution, climate change, and human activities such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these vulnerable animals and ensure a healthy future for whale populations.