Animal Facts for Kids: Whales

Teach your children these interesting facts about whales

By Sabah Karimi


Photo by: iStockPhotos

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Whales are some of the most beautiful and interesting mammals to ever populate our oceans. In fact, scientists say that whales once walked the Earth but eventually lost their legs and developed the skills necessary to eat, sleep and rest underwater. There are hundreds of fascinating animal facts for kids and adults alike about these amazing creatures.

If you're looking for some educational summer activities this season, here are some fun animal facts for kids that will keep them busy learning something new over the summer break.

1. Whales can swim up to 35 miles per hour; that's faster than most canoes and kayaks. If you run into a whale while enjoying some water sports this summer, don't be surprised if they move faster than you.

2. Most whales live as long as humans.

3. Whales are threatened by human-caused pollution including oil spills and chemicals in the ocean, plastic bags from landfills, and even balloons.

4. Most whales can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes at a time; sperm whales can hold their breath for up to an hour.

5. Killer whales are among the top predators of the sea and are actually large dolphins. These carnivores are known to eat sea lions, penguins, squid, large fish and other whales.

6. Male and female whales can be identified by the shape of their dorsal fins. The male whale has a fin that is about 6 feet tall with a straight triangular tip, while the female whale has a fin that's about 3 feet tall and curves slightly.

7. A newborn blue whale can weigh as much as 2 tons and be up to 25 feet long.

8. The blue whale creates one of the deepest sounds on the planet; its voice can carry for over 100 miles underwater.

9. The fountain of water we see emerge from a whale's blowhole is actually just air that is being pushed out of the whale's lungs. The air creates a spray cloud that only looks like a water fountain.

10. Whale blubber can be up to 20 in. thick and serves the same purposes as fat on humans. First, it's used to insulate the whale, which often lives in very cold climates. Blubber can also be used to nourish the whale when food is scarce.

Reading up on animal facts for kids is a great way to promote learning over summer vacation and keep them interested in the world around them. Share these fun and interesting facts about whales with any young animal lovers in the family.