Blue Whale Fast Facts
Scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus
Class: Mammalia
Average length: Up to 110 feet
Average weight: Up to 200 tons, about a ton per foot. (400,000 pounds!)
Average lifespan: Estimated at around 80 to 90 years
Current population: The current population of blue whales is about 10,000 to 25,000 animals worldwide. Before whaling, about 300,000 blue whales populated our oceans, 240,000 in the Antarctic alone.
Cruising speed: Blue whales typically cruise the ocean at more than 5 miles an hour but can accelerate to more than 20 miles an hour for short bursts.
Gestation period: Approximately 10 to 12 months
Favorite snack: Krill cakes and tea
Favorite tunes: Blue Man Group
Favorite pastime: Water polo and underwater basket weaving

Blue Whale