With so many troubling events impacting humanity worldwide, we are all trying to make sense of our surroundings. From health to the environment, people are searching for answers. One story, going viral on social media, about the gathering of humpback whales is a good example of this. It seems that all of a sudden, we want to know what is happening with the whales.
Where Are The Whales Going? And Why?
An article published in Popular Science in 2017 opened the proverbial ‘can of worms’ about humpback whales and their changing migratory patterns. The typically solitary mammals had been reported by researchers as recently gathering in groups of 10 to 200. They also had been seen gathering in a strange spot, off the coast of South Africa. Normally, the whales would be found in the sub-zero waters of Antarctica, where they prefer to feed.
The article goes on to suggest a plethora of reasons as to why the whales are socially ‘hanging out’. Maybe the ocean is particularly rich with food in that one spot? Perhaps they are gathering to teach one another a specially learned feeding technique, called bubble netting? Or, it is possible that the whales know the end of the world is coming and are just gathering for one big last bash to see it out? Of course, that last assumption seems a bit ridiculous to experts in marine biology (and hence very much less likely!). (1)
What The Researchers Know…
From the standpoint of humpback whale experts, the behaviour of these mammals is driven by three things: feeding, mating, and avoiding predators. In considering such motivators, a more sensical reason for the social aggregation of humpbacks evolves.
Killer whales, predators to the humpback, are less often found in warm water environments. And since humpbacks tend to breed and birth in warm waters, the belief among some scientists is that they stay longer in these locations to improve the survival of their babies. Raising a baby humpback whale takes a large amount of energy for their mothers, both in lactation and care, so being in a supportive environment diminishes their risk of environmental stress too. In that way, maybe humans and whales are alike – we all need help sometimes and especially with parenting! (2)
Some Mystery Remains
We definitely do not know everything about humpback whales and their migratory patterns. There have been and continues to be times where this evolving species surprises experts. For example, satellite imaging and days at sea expeditions have shown that a variety of behaviors exist among humpback whales. Where one whale may want to be alone for birthing, another may want to be in a large group with other whales. Shelter, mating, and feeding could indeed be flexible for each humpback whale, depending on their personal preferences and environmental conditions. (2)
Although it is tempting to think the changing behavior of some whales means something more – it cannot be assumed. Instead, researchers should remain the ‘go-to’ knowledge source for insights into the habits and traits of all animals. Simply put – don’t jump to conclusions and ask a scientist first!
