However, an older mating partner will have ‘good’ genes which helped him, or her, survive and prosper. The humpback whale’s breaching display is one the great sights of the natural world and its mysterious half-hour-long song has few equals in the animal kingdom. During the era of industrial whaling, however, humpbacks, like all the great whales, were hunted mercilessly for their oil. The composition of a whale’s skin changes with age, so chemical analysis of a skin sample enables a whale’s age to be determined. The mating of humpbacks has never been observed, but males can be seen escorting and guarding females.

Source: Irish Examiner March 21, 2026 06:04 UTC