Humpback whales, unlike highly sociable sperm whales, live in loose and ever-changing groups of about four to ten. However, the stablest and longest-lasting relationships are between a mother and her calf. They keep close to each other for up to a year.
Usually, a humpback whale gives birth to a single calf, launched tail first. The short umbilical cord breaks as it is pulled taut, and instinctively the newborn calf towards the surface to take its first breath. The mother urges the youngster up, pushing with her snout or one of her flippers. These first seconds are crucial for the calf because until it has filled its lungs with air, its body is heavier than water and it is in danger of sinking and drowning.
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