How Does a Whale Drink?

Water, Water Everywhere...

Although surrounded by water, whales do not drink it. Like other mammals, whales from the smallest dolphin to the massive blue whale need fresh water. But, with the exception of some species of freshwater dolphins, whales live in salt water. However, they have developed ways to ingest fresh water.

Sources of Water

Baby whales (calves) get the moisture they need to stay hydrated from their mother's milk. Weaned and adult whales get their water from the food they eat. Fish, krill, squid and other whale food not only contain meat, but water. Extra food gets converted to blubber, which also contains water for the whale's body to draw on in times of need.

Inner Filtration Systems

The water inside the prey that whales eat is still not pure water. It's going to be saltier than fresh water, but still not as bad as gulping down sea water. Whales do inevitably swallow some sea water. Whales have compensated for this salt by evolving more efficient kidneys than we have. Whale kidneys can remove salt from blood. The whale then pees out the salt in urine.

Resources

• What Do Whales Drink
• HowStuffWorks: Whale -- Habits