[Jimbuna]

Humpback whales photographed having sex for first time – and both were male

Photographers have captured images of humpback whales engaging in sexual activity for the first time – and the mammals being intimate were both males.

The behaviour of humpbacks has fascinated scientists for decades - but a study published this week features the first photos of the species having penetrative sex, its authors have said.

It was written by marine biologist Stephanie Stack and the two photographers who captured the encounter, Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano.

The whole discovery was "opportunistic," they said, as the whales "slowly approached" the photographers' boat while they were out in waters west of the Hawaiian island of Maui in January 2022.

The photos show a healthy and strong male whale penetrating another, who appears unhealthy or injured and emaciated, the study said.

The mammals - which usually range from 12 to 16 metres long - circled the vessel "several times" with the healthier whale "pursuing" the other.
https://news.sky.com/story/humpback-...-male-13084290