For the first time ever, footage has been captured of humpback whales having sex. What makes it even more special is that it involves sex between two male specimens. It is the first evidence of homosexual behavior in these animals.
Source: The Guardian, Sky NewsFriday March 1, 2024 at 5:34 PM
The behavior of humpback whales has fascinated scientists for years. Unfortunately, sex between these animals could not be recorded until now. Photographers Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano were able to capture images of two males performing sexual acts. That happened west of the Hawaiian island of Maui. All the action happened about three to five meters below the boat and took place in January 2022.
Homosexual behavior had already been recorded in dolphins and orcas, but not in humpback whales. Stephanie Stack, one of the scientists who worked on the study, called it a “unique and remarkable event” because the sexual behavior had “largely remained a mystery” until now.
During the act, researchers observed one of the whales holding the other’s pectoral fins in place as he penetrated. The other humpback whale appeared sick, it was noticeably emaciated and covered in whale lice and parasites. The penises of male humpback whales are usually hidden in the so-called ‘genital fissure’ to make it more streamlined when swimming. According to the study, they could use the genital slit or anus for same-sex sex, to reproduce or to assert a dominant role.
Humpback whales can grow up to 16 meters in length and weigh between 25 and 30 tons, which is approximately the weight of three buses.
The whales were three to five meters below the boat when they did the deed — © Lyle Krannichfeld / Brandi Romano