What Is a Young Whale Called?
A young whale is called a calf. The term applies to newborns of large whale species such as blue, humpback, and sperm whales. Calves are typically born tail-first to reduce drowning risk and are able to swim shortly after birth.
How Big Is a Whale Calf at Birth?
Whale calves vary in size by species. A blue whale calf can be around 7 meters (23 feet) long at birth and gain weight rapidly on rich milk. Humpback whale calves are usually about 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) long when born.
How Long Does a Whale Calf Nurse?
Most whale calves nurse for several months to over a year, depending on the species. During this period, they grow quickly and develop blubber for insulation and energy. For more details on whale reproduction and early life stages, visit https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/marine-mammals/whale
