Humpback Whales Reproduction (Sex)
A female Humpback Whale usually reproduces every 2-3 years. It is possible for her to reproduce every 12 months but they usually take a little longer to have babies.
The duration of the pregnacy (gestation) is around 11 - 12 months and the calf is born tail first. At this time the whales are very vunerable to predators.
Humpback whale courtship usually takes place in the winter months.
While there appears to be extremely competitive and enthusiastic courtship from a male Humpback whales he is not a good father, the male Humpback whale will approach and follow females for sex. Actively harassing them to the point they will try to hide underneath boats to escape the male’s attention.
Humpback whale sex is a rough, tumble and quick affair, the male has no regard for a calf and will squash it and push it out of the way to get at the female.
Once the male has mated with the female Humpback he goes his own way. He does not stick around to be a father. He heads off to find another female to mate with.
The Humpback male can have a penis up to 10 feet in length.
The female Humpback whale has a genital area that is usually completely surrounded by barnacles (pictured) so you have to wonder why the male humpback is so enthusiastic to mate for obvious reasons.