First Photographs of Humpback Whales Copulating Document Same-Sex Behavior

Although researchers have spent many years studying humpback whales, many aspects of these marine giants’ lives remain a mystery. For example, little is known about the whales’ reproduction or sexual behaviors. However, in 2022 a pair of photographers captured a series of shots of two humpback whales copulating off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Maui. The twist? Both of the whales seen in the shots are males. 

Humpback whales are massive marine mammals, who can measure up to 52 feet in length and weigh up to 36 tons. Migratory animals, these whales spend summers in polar regions and migrate south in the fall. Despite their large size, humpback whales remain mysterious in many ways. For example, a humpback whale birth was not observed in the wild until 2021.

The two copulating males were observed near Maui when they approached a boat. The photographers aboard were careful not to disturb the animals, as pursuing, harassing, disturbing, or interfering with humpback whales is punishable by law. However, they were still able to capture these scientifically significant shots. 

Same-sex behavior is not uncommon in the animal kingdom. Many marine creatures that are closely related to humpback whales, such as dolphins, have been recorded engaging in same-sex behaviors. Scientists believe that these behaviors may be a way of forming or strengthening social bonds. 

The photos of the two whales are the first time that copulation has been observed by humans in the species. In the shots, a healthy humpback male can be seen holding an unhealthy male in place with his pectoral fins. The unhealthy male is visibly emaciated and covered in sea lice, which may be a sign of reduced mobility. The healthy male is observed penetrating the unhealthy male. 

These photos shed new light on these mysterious mammals. Additionally, they challenge commonly held notions about these animals’ reproductive behavior. A study on the encounter was published in Marine Mammal Science. 

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