A Mother’s Journey – Humpback whales

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on one of the ocean’s most remarkable bonds, the connection between humpback whale mothers and their calves.

After a gestation of around 11 to 12 months, humpback cows travel from Antarctic feeding grounds to warm waters off northern Australia to give birth. These sheltered, warmer seas are vital, as newborn calves have little body fat to keep them warm. While most births occur in tropical waters, early arrivals are sometimes sighted off the Victorian coastline.

At birth, calves measure about 4 to 5 metres long and can weigh up to a tonne. Remarkably, newborn calves can easily be overlooked as they swim very closely alongside mum. Some tell-tale signs include slower travel pace, more frequent surfacing, and the presence of a relatively small blow.

From the very beginning, the bond is constant. Calves stay close to their mothers, often swimming in their slipstream to conserve energy. They nurse frequently, consuming rich milk that helps them grow rapidly, while their mothers rely entirely on stored energy reserves.

Communication between cow and calf is surprisingly quiet. Rather than loud songs, they use soft sounds, body contact and subtle movements to stay connected and avoid drawing attention from predators. You might notice a calf gently nudging its mother or matching her movements as they travel.

The migration south becomes a learning journey. Calves practise swimming, breathing and even playful behaviours like breaching, all while following their mother’s lead. Along the way, they begin to learn the routes humpbacks navigate using cues like the Earth’s magnetic field and the sun.

By the time they reach cooler feeding grounds, calves are stronger and more independent, thanks to months of guidance and care.

This Mother’s Day, the story of humpback whales is a powerful reminder that motherhood, whether on land or at sea, is built on patience, protection and an unbreakable bond.

All images taken on board our Whale Cruises.