FACTS ABOUT WHALES! ~by Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D.

Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D.
4 min readAug 6, 2023

Dive into the deep blue sea, where giants of the ocean roam with grace and majesty: whales! These marvelous creatures never fail to capture our hearts and imagination. So, grab your snorkel and flippers as we embark on a whimsical journey through ten fun and unique facts about these gentle giants. Get ready to be entertained, amazed, and delighted by the enchanting world of whales!

[1] Whale Songs: Move over, pop stars! Whales have the most impressive vocal range in the ocean. Their songs can travel for miles and are filled with haunting melodies and complex patterns. It’s like attending a whale karaoke night, where every performance is a chart-topping hit. Just imagine a humpback whale belting out “My Heart Will Go On” — cue the tears!

[2] Whale-Sized Appetites: Whales sure know how to chow down! They have a voracious appetite, with some species consuming up to 4 tons of food per day. It’s like watching a never-ending buffet at a whale-themed restaurant. They’ll have the krill cocktail, followed by a squid salad, and finish it off with a seaweed sundae. Bon appétit, whales!

[3] Whale Pals: Whales are social creatures, and they love to hang out in groups called pods. These pods can consist of family members or just a bunch of whale buddies having a splashing good time. It’s like joining an exclusive whale club, where they discuss the latest seaweed fashion trends and exchange dating tips. Whales know that friendship is the greatest treasure of the sea!

[4] Whale Acrobatics: Who needs the circus when you have whales? These acrobatic marvels love to show off with breathtaking displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping. It’s like attending the Olympics of the ocean, with whales competing for gold in the synchronized swimming and high-dive categories. The judges give them a perfect ten for style and grace!

[5] Whale-Sized Hearts: Whales have hearts as big as their bodies, quite literally! The blue whale boasts the largest heart of any living creature, weighing about 1,300 pounds. It’s like having a heart that’s as massive as a Volkswagen Beetle. With a heart that size, whales have no problem spreading love and compassion throughout the ocean.

[6] Whale Fashion: Move over, fashion runways — whales are the true fashion icons of the sea! They wear stylish patterns and colors on their skin, known as callosities. These unique markings are like haute couture tattoos, making each whale an individual fashionista. Forget about designer labels; whales prove that true style comes from within.

[7] Whale Superpowers: Whales possess amazing superpowers that would make any superhero jealous. For instance, the sperm whale has the ability to dive to extraordinary depths, reaching up to 3,280 feet. It’s like having the power to explore the ocean’s mysterious abyss, uncovering lost treasures and secret civilizations. Move over, Aquaman — here comes the mighty Sperm Whale!

[8] Whale Migrations: Whales are the ultimate globetrotters, embarking on epic journeys across vast distances. Some species migrate thousands of miles each year, navigating by the stars and magnetic fields. It’s like joining a whale travel agency, where they hop on the Whale-ter Airlines and set off on a round-the-world adventure. From tropical paradises to chilly polar waters, whales know how to vacation in style!

[9] Whale Nursery: When it’s time to welcome a newborn whale into the world, moms seek out warm and shallow waters for the ultimate nursery experience. These nurseries are like glamorous resorts for whale babies, offering protection, abundant food, and playful companions. It’s like joining a delightful daycare where baby whales practice their swimming skills and engage in adorable games of tag. Cuteness overload!

[10] Whale Communication: Whales have their own secret language, filled with clicks, whistles, and songs. Each species has its unique dialect, making it a true underwater Tower of Babel. It’s like attending a whale linguistic conference, with translators deciphering messages like “Hey, buddy, mind sharing some krill?” or “Do you think this baleen makes me look fat?” Whales prove that communication is key, even in the vastness of the ocean.

So, there you have it — ten fun and unique facts about whales that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. From their mesmerizing songs to their impressive appetites, from their acrobatic displays to their migration adventures, whales continue to captivate us with their charm and wonder. So, next time you catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures, remember to give them a wave and a big whale-sized smile. After all, they’re the true stars of the sea, bringing joy and laughter to everyone lucky enough to encounter them!

Now, here is a cool, jazzy song I wrote about whales. I take fun facts, rhyme them, and set them to cool music. This song was professionally recorded in Branson, Missouri with two of Branson’s most notable musicians — and me, as the singer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zwqViVNOVA

This song is loved by adults, as well as children. Are you ready for some karaoke family fun?

Enjoy!

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Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D.

Produced Playwright, author of "Remember Idora" Licensed Private Investigator; performer live entertainment, Horst Gasthaus, accordion music