• Question: How many calves does a typical dolphin have in their life?

    Asked by amy98 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 17 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by genemad25.
    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 17 Jun 2012:

      They have about 16 throughout their life

    • Photo: Valeria Senigaglia

      Valeria Senigaglia answered on 18 Jun 2012:

      It depends on the species, generally speaking dolphins give birth every 2 or 3 years. Some dolphins can live up to 80 years and reach sexual maturity around 8 or 10 years old. However there are massive variations among species.

      Some dolphins as Pilot whales (I studied them for quite a bit, they are my favorite animal!!!) are the only other animal with human that undergo menopause.

      If you look for informations about dolphins calves and parental behaviour (how mum and dad behave) you should look at Janet Mann, she’s the leading expert in the field. Her papers can be difficult but if you only read the introduction and the conclusion are simpler.

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