Whales

Whales are enormous mammals that live in the ocean. The blue whale is the biggest animal that has ever existed, even bigger than the dinosaurs! Whales breathe air and must come to the surface. Baby whales are called calves.

Types of Whales

There are two main types of whales. Baleen whales, like blue whales and humpbacks, filter tiny creatures through plates in their mouths. Toothed whales, like sperm whales and orcas, have teeth and hunt fish and squid. Humpback whales are famous for their beautiful songs.

Whale Migration

Many whales travel thousands of miles every year. They spend summers in cold waters where there is lots of food. In winter, they swim to warm waters to have their babies. Gray whales make one of the longest migrations of any mammal.

Fun Facts

• A blue whale's heart is the size of a small car.
• Blue whales can grow up to 100 feet long.
• Whale songs can travel hundreds of miles through the ocean.

Did You Know?

A blue whale's tongue weighs as much as an elephant! Even though they are huge, blue whales eat tiny shrimp-like animals called krill.