In a stunning discovery, two male humpback whales were caught on camera mating in an unexpected behavior that has never been observed before in this species. The pictures were taken by two enthusiasts in January 2022 while boating off the coast of Hawaii.
Humpback whales have been extensively studied for their vocalizations, but their mating behavior had not been documented until now. This observation is particularly significant as same-sex mating has been described in other whale species, but this was a first for humpback whales.
The researchers behind the study were contacted by photographers who had encountered the mating whales during a boat trip off the coast of Maui. Interestingly, one of the whales appeared to be in poor health, possibly injured and covered in whale lice. Despite this, it engaged in mating behavior with its stronger counterpart.
The interaction was captured on camera multiple times and interpreted in various ways, including as a form of alliance-building or territorial defense. However, without further research and observation, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of this behavior.
Overall, this unexpected mating behavior highlights the complexity and diversity of animal behavior in the wild. It also underscores the importance of continued research and observation to learn more about these fascinating marine mammals.