New Born Sperm Whales, The Azores

The pod moved from the wind strewn ocean to the sheltered waters in the lee of the volcano Pico. That night two brand new calves entered the world. The pod was moving slowly when we saw them the next morning. The calves swimming with a short jerky motion and thrusting their blowholes high out of the water to breathe.

Folded dorsals and vertical creases on the body betrayed their recent liberation from the womb.

Baby sitting was left the two males as the females plunged deep into the abyss to feed on squid. During shallow dives, the calves nuzzled the underside of the males working in

vain for milk.

Photographs - Top to Bottom

1. A new born calf approaches my camera

2. The pod dives

3. A new born suckles in vain on a

male