Top 7 Oldest Whales In The World

Whales are known for their longevity, and among them, some individuals have achieved remarkable lifespans. One of the most famous examples of an exceptionally old whale was a bowhead whale that lived to be over 211 years old.

This remarkable discovery was made in 2007 when researchers found a 16.7-inch (42.5 cm) ivory tip embedded in a bowhead whale's neck. The artifact was determined to be from a late 19th-century bomb lance, suggesting that this particular whale had survived for more than two centuries.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest whales in the world based on their typical lifespan.

7. Humpback Whale (45 - 50 Years)

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are magnificent marine mammals known for their acrobatic displays, haunting songs, and impressive migrations. In the wild, Humpback Whales have an estimated average lifespan of approximately 45 to 50 years.

They are born at a length of about 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.5 meters) and continue to grow as they age. Humpback whales are recognized for several distinctive traits, one of which is the intricate vocalization, often referred to as the "song," produced by male humpbacks.

This melody has made them very unique and popular visit sites for tourists.

6. Sei Whale (50 - 70 Years)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Sei Whales are known to have relatively long lifespans, similar to other large baleen whale species. Their lifespan can vary somewhat based on environmental factors, predation risks, and human activities.

It is generally believed that Sei Whales can live for an estimated 50 to 70 years in the wild. They typically reach sexual maturity at around 6 to 12 years of age. After reaching maturity, they can continue to grow and reproduce for several decades.

Sei Whales face various natural threats throughout their lives, including predation by killer whales (Orcas) and occasional entanglement in fishing gear, which can impact their longevity.

5. Gray Whale (55 - 70 Years)

The Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is a remarkable marine mammal known for its long migrations along the western coast of North America. Gray Whales have an average lifespan of about 55 to 70 years in the wild. 

This estimate is based on research and observations of both wild populations and individuals in captivity. They are born at a length of approximately 14 to 16 feet (4.3 to 4.9 meters) and continue to grow as they age. Calves are nursed by their mothers and gradually transition to solid food.

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In captivity, Gray Whales have been known to live for several decades. The record for the longest-lived Gray Whale in captivity is held by a whale named "Gigi," who lived for 44 years at the Vancouver Aquarium.

4. Sperm Whale (70 - 80 Years)

The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is one of the largest and most iconic species of whales, known for its massive size and distinctive appearance. Sperm Whales have an estimated average lifespan of approximately 70 to 80 years in the wild.

Calves are born after a gestation period of about 14 to 16 months and are already quite large at birth, measuring around 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters) in length.  Sperm Whales are not commonly kept in captivity, and there is limited information on their longevity in captivity.

3. Blue Whale (70 - 90 Years)

The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal to have ever existed on Earth and is known for its immense size and distinctive blue-gray coloration. On top of that, Blue Whales have quite a long lifespan an average of 70 to 90 years.

Calves are born after a gestation period of about 10 to 12 months and are already among the largest animals on the planet. Blue Whales are found in oceans worldwide, from polar to tropical waters. 

They have a highly migratory nature, often traveling great distances between feeding and breeding grounds. Today, they are protected by international regulations that have banned commercial hunting.

2. Fin Whale (70 - 90 Years)

The Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the second-largest animal on Earth, known for its sleek, streamlined body and unique asymmetrical coloration on its lower jaw. They are also among the longest-living whales on earth with an estimated average lifespan of 70 to 90 years.

Fin Whales are generally solitary animals, although they may form loose associations or aggregations during certain feeding or mating opportunities. Similar to the Blue whale, the fin whale is also currently endangered due to heavy hunting back in the past.

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Despite their humongous size, fin whales possess a slender physique and are among the swiftest of all whale species.

1. Bowhead Whale (Up to 200 Years)

Bowhead Whale is known as the oldest whale in the world. In the wild, they have an estimated average lifespan of up to 200 years. Bowhead Whales are known for their close-knit social bonds. They often travel in family groups or pods.

Bowhead Whales are specialized Arctic whales, primarily found in the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas. In contrast to other whale species, bowheads do not undertake migrations to warmer regions for breeding or foraging purposes.

Source:

• NOAA Fisheries

• WWF

Also read: Top 7 Oldest Crocodiles In The World