Unexpected Humpback Whale Mating Behavior: Shedding Light on Same-Sex Unions and Territorial Defense in this Species

Humpback whales are known for their distinctive vocalizations, but a recent discovery has shed new light on their mating behavior. In images taken by two enthusiasts in Hawaii in January 2022, two male humpback whales were unexpectedly mating, a behavior that has not been observed before in this species.

Same-sex mating has been documented in other whale species, but this was a first for humpback whales. The pictures were published in a scientific journal article in late February, and the researchers were contacted by photographers who had encountered the mating whales during a boat trip off the coast of Maui. The whales approached the boat, which is illegal under Hawaiian law.

One of the whales appeared to be in poor health, possibly injured and covered in whale lice. The stronger of the two whales repeatedly approached the weaker one and ultimately mated with it. The interaction was captured on camera multiple times. The behavior of the whales was interpreted in various ways, including as a form of alliance-building or territorial defense.

Homosexual behavior in whales has been documented before, but not specifically in humpback whales. This unexpected mating behavior highlights the complexity and diversity of animal behavior in the wild and underscores the importance of continued research and observation to learn more about these fascinating marine mammals.