Two Humpback Whales Caught on Camera Engaging in Unprecedented Homosexual Behavior: Insights into the Complex and Diverse Animal World.

In Hawaii, two male humpback whales were caught on camera mating in a behavior that has not been observed before in this species. Homosexual behavior in whales is common, but this was the first time it had been documented in humpback whales. The images were taken by two enthusiasts boating off the coast of Maui in January 2022.

The whales approached the boat, which is illegal to do with humpback whales in Hawaii. One of the whales appeared to be injured and covered in lice. The stronger of the two repeatedly approached the weaker one and ultimately mated with it. The interaction was captured on camera multiple times.

Researchers were contacted by photographers who had encountered the mating whales during a boat trip off the coast of Maui. The researchers published their findings in a scientific journal article late February 2022. The pictures and observations shed light on the complexity and diversity of animal behavior in the wild, as well as highlighting the importance of continued research and observation to learn more about these fascinating marine mammals.