Things that make me giggle #15: Whale sex

In a lot of ways, humans are quite similar to all the other animals of the world ...

Some vital statistics regarding a pregnant whale at the Shedd Aquarium, from today's Sun-Times:

THE MOTHER
Puiji -- poo-EE-jee (Inuit for "those who show their noses.'')
Born: 1986
Weight: 1,500 pounds
Length: 10 feet 8 inches

THE FATHER
Naluark -- Na-LOO-ark (Inuit for "whitened skin.'')
Born: 1986
Weight: 1,800 pounds
Length: 13 feet

THE SEX
The male will swim next to a prospective mate, and turn over on its side, revealing its 15-inch-long erect penis. If the female is interested she turns on her side. Whale sex is extremely fast. It only takes a few seconds. Then they swim away from each other.

THE RELATIONSHIP
The male's interest from that point is nil. There's no real relationship.

THE PREGNANCY AND BIRTH
After a pregnancy that lasts 14 to 16 months, and a labor 30 minutes to 20 hours long, the mother whale delivers the calf, which typically weighs about 125 pounds

THE ADDED POUNDS
After birth, the mother's appetite increases dramatically: from her usual 30 to 25 pounds of fish per day to 70 pounds or more.


(Image of whale off the coast of Ecuador, summer 2004: available for $3.86)