Humpback Whale Watching - A Mesmerizing Experience
Humpback whales are fifth largest animals on the entire planet and they grow around 15-16 meters in length and weigh up to 99,000 lbs (45,000 kgs). The largest humpback whale was recorded as 19 meters long with their pectoral wings admeasuring six meters each. The lifespan of humpback whale is around 40 - 45 years. In the Australian waters, there are around 40 whale species, in which humpback whales are truly the most favorite attraction for the visitors. The sight of the humpback whales with their young ones resting on the water surface is just unforgettable.
Are These Humpback Whales Trained Performers?
By no means are they trained performers, but the adult humpback whales do manage to entertain the spectators by slamming their long tail when they dive in the water and then after a few minutes they again leap towards the sky with huge showers of water pouring out from them. For the visitors, it's just not an interesting adventure, but it also imparts the visitors the true worth and importance of these species in their natural habitat so that the humpback whales get greater sustainability of the earth's treasured resources. It's very important to conserve these valued mammals as saving them will also conserve the human race as we humans too share same planet with these mammals. As we are interlinked with each other, it indirectly means that we are saving ourselves by saving these treasured humpback whales.
Is Hawaii A Good Place For Humpback Whale Watching?
Of course, it is considered as one of the best places with lots of visitors flocking around and watching the humpback whale in Maui Island. The season of whale watching begins from November, but if you want to see larger whales, then the best time would be December to April. During this period around 2000 humpback whales migrate every year from the summer breeding arctic grounds. The scientists have estimated that the overall trip of the humpback whales take around 100 days to reach the destination. On the Maui Island the whale watching opportunities from the land are extensive.
Are These Humpback Whales Seasonal Feeders When They Are In Hawaii?
If you are not aware of this fact, then yes it's strange yet true. When these Humpback whales return back to their natural habitat, they consume around 5000 pounds of krill, plankton and fish each day.
Breeding Preferences Of The Humpback Whales
The Humpback whales prefer wide bank areas and calmer bays. Their heavy heads and the two blow holes are seen frisking in the calm waters and they are very often seen breaching and slamming the water surface. Humpback whales mate in calmer bays and bear the calves conceived in last winter season. The Humpback whale calf weighs about 3000 pounds during birth and takes the feeding for around 6 to 8 months from their mother. The Humpback whale calves consume as much as 130 gallons of milk each day. You need to have a lot of patience and after watching for around half and hour or so, if you are lucky enough you will see these amazing humpback whales sprinkling water from their holes.
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