How to Feed a Baby Whale

Baby whales begin nursing from their mothers several hours after birth and usually continue to nurse for as long as one year. The milk the calf drinks from the mother allows it to develop a layer of blubber it will need for insulation, and any delay in nursing could adversely affect the baby. After one year, calves are gradually weaned off the mother. In some cases, where the mother has died or the calf cannot nurse properly, aquarium staff will attempt to nurse the baby whale.

Instructions

1

Allow the baby calf to nurse from the mother. The calf will suckle from the mothers nipples while lying on its side. The nipples are hidden beneath the mothers abdominal mammary slits.

2

Simulate the mothers mammary gland with a 3 liter baby bottle of milk if the baby is not or cannot respond to the mothers milk. This might happen if the mother dies or is ill or if the calf is not receiving enough milk and is showing signs of starvation.

3

Monitor the babys breastfeeding. Typically calves will nurse from their mother for about five to 10 seconds. This will continue throughout the hour and all day. This frequency will drop to about 10 minutes per day once the calf learns how to efficiently suckle milk from the nipple.

4

Wean the calf off from the mother gradually but still allow it to nurse after one year.

5

Feed the calf 60 lbs. of herring, smelt and squid per day when the calf has reached 1 year of age.