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The Whale MenopauseKiller Whales and the Evolution of the Menopause

Animal wisdom, mothers and sons. What do killer whales tell us about the human menopause?

  • Female killer whale breaches off San Juan Island, Washington State, USA
  • J2 or Granny, world’s oldest known killer whale, estimated between 80 and 105 years old.
  • Center for Whale Research
  • 'Giles'
  • Prof Darren Croft of University of Exeter and Ken Balcomb, executive director of the Center for Whale Research
  • The orca live in family groups in which adult daughters and sons stay with mother for her entire life
  • Keeping their lens peeled for the mother of all matriarchs J2
  • Humpbacks diving for krill. The orca only eat salmon. Salmon numbers are at historic lows. The orcas' future is in doubt.
  • The breathe of a humpback whale does not smell good.

This gallery is from

  • The Whale Menopause

    Animal wisdom, mothers and sons. What do killer whales tell us about the human menopause?

    BBC Radio 4

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