Moms are pretty amazing. They support us, protect us and teach us a few life lessons or two along the way. But, did you know that some of the best moms on the planet live in our oceans? From penguins to octopi, many marine animal moms go to great lengths to raise their young, whether it’s scouring the ocean for the best food, swimming for thousands of miles or providing much-needed warmth during cold winter months. If you’re ready to learn more about Mother’s Day for marine life, check out our list of the ocean’s best moms.
1. Gray Whales
During the springtime, gray whales will start migrating from their breeding lagoons in Baja California to the Arctic Circle, where they feed. This is an amazing time for whale watching because you can typically catch a glimpse of a gray whale mother and her new baby! Gray whale mothers will keep their babies in tow during the entire 10,000-mile trip, providing the brand-new calve with nearly 300 gallons of milk per day. In addition to supplying her baby with plenty of food, a gray whale mom must also protect her young from predators, like orcas, and will put up a relentless fight, if need be.
2. Polar Bears
Few marine animal moms are as fiercely independent as the polar bear. Since male polar bears don’t play an active role in raising young, finding food and shelter is all up to Mama Bear. Female polar bears dig the dens, keep their babies warm, find food – and that’s just the beginning! Once the cubs are a few weeks old, the mother bear will teach them how to hunt, build their own homes and thrive in one of the world’s harshest environments.
Moms wear a lot of hats – coach, teacher, personal stylist – and, the same is true for dolphins! In fact, one group of bottlenose dolphins found in Australia have adopted a unique cultural practice that is passed down from mother to daughter. These dolphin moms teach their children to hunt the sea floor for prey using tools, specifically sea sponges. To make for easier fishing, female dolphins wear sea sponges over their beaks to protect them while rummaging the ocean floor for prey. Scientists believe that this is a learned behavior that baby female dolphins mimic after years of watching mom hunt, and it is a skill she will pass on for generations to come.
4. Deep Sea Octopus
As humans, we’re used to the idea of carrying a child for around nine months, but, for one species of octopus, that number is nearly quadrupled! Found in the depths of Central California’s ocean waters, the Graneledone boreopacifica will spend approximately 4-1/2 years watching over her eggs until they hatch! These moms typically lay around 160 eggs and must provide them with food and protection over this lengthy brooding period. Caring for her babies is this ocean mother’s top priority, and she will do whatever it takes to nurture her young, including warding off predators, cleaning off debris and sediment, pushing water across to promote oxygen exchange and even foregoing her own meals in order to feed her family.
Sometimes, a hug from Mom is all you need! Walruses are known to be some of the cuddliest moms around, frequently exchanging hugs and kisses with her young to provide warmth and comfort in the frigid arctic waters. Studies even have shown that, just like humans, walruses cradle their babies on their left sides, indicating that these animals process social information much like we do. In addition, walruses have been known to adopt orphaned calves and will act as the baby primary protector and provider until it can become self-sufficient.
Our oceans are home to some of the world’s most remarkable mothers, and to help them thrive, it’s up to us to speak for the sea. When you purchase a piece by Clam & Clasp, 20% of those profits go directly toward ocean conservation organizations. Click here to shop the collection.