diff --git "a/83199371-dc43-47e0-b286-5b0600195656.json" "b/83199371-dc43-47e0-b286-5b0600195656.json" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/83199371-dc43-47e0-b286-5b0600195656.json" @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +{ + "interaction_id": "83199371-dc43-47e0-b286-5b0600195656", + "search_results": [ + { + "page_name": "10 Notable Gestation Periods in the Animal Kingdom | Mental Floss", + "page_url": "https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/24238/quick-10-10-gestation-periods-animal-kingdom", + "page_snippet": "The gestation periods of the animal kingdom are varied and fascinating. Just be thankful you're not a pregnant elephant.At an average of 95 weeks, the gestation period is more than double the length of a human pregnancy, so it shouldn't come as a shock that female elephants don't often have more than four offspring during their lifetimes. Who has the time? A photo of a mother hippo and her baby in Uganda / Yes, it takes less time to make a hippopotamus than it takes to make a human. Baby giraffes can weigh more than 150 pounds and can be around 6 feet tall. Another fascinating tidbit: giraffes give birth standing up, so it's pretty normal for a baby to fall 6 feet to the ground. There\u2019s a reason for the long wait: after that 17 months, Baby Shamu emerges weighing anywhere from 265 to 353 pounds and measuring about 8.5 feet long. Yikes. ... Blink and you'll miss it: This is the shortest gestation period of any mammal in North America. The gestation periods of the animal kingdom are varied and fascinating. Some clock in at just a few weeks, making any human green with envy, while others can last more than a year. Here are 10 notable gestation times for animals around the globe. The lesson? Be thankful that you\u2019re not a pregnant elephant. Here are 10 notable gestation times for animals around the globe. The lesson? Be thankful that you\u2019re not a pregnant elephant. Elephants are pregnant for a long time. Like really, really long. At an average of 95 weeks, the gestation period is more than double the length of a human pregnancy, so it shouldn't come as a shock that female elephants don't often have more than four offspring during their lifetimes.", + "page_result": "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10 Notable Gestation Periods in the Animal Kingdom | Mental Floss\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
\"Mental

10 Notable Gestation Periods in the Animal Kingdom

By Stacy Conradt

\"iStock\"
iStock / iStock
\"facebook\"\"twitter\"\"reddit\"

The gestation periods of the animal kingdom are varied and fascinating. Some clock in at just a few weeks, making any human green with envy, while others can last more than a year. Here are 10 notable gestation times for animals around the globe. The lesson? Be thankful that you\u2019re not a pregnant elephant.

1. ELEPHANTS: 640-660 DAYS

Elephants are pregnant for a long time. Like really, really long. At an average of 95 weeks, the gestation period is more than double the length of a human pregnancy, so it shouldn't come as a shock that female elephants don't often have more than four offspring during their lifetimes. Who has the time?

2. HIPPOS: 8 MONTHS

\"A
A photo of a mother hippo and her baby in Uganda /

Yes, it takes less time to make a hippopotamus than it takes to make a human.

3. GIRAFFE: 14-15 MONTHS

Baby giraffes can weigh more than 150 pounds and can be around 6 feet tall. Another fascinating tidbit: giraffes give birth standing up, so it's pretty normal for a baby to fall 6 feet to the ground.

4. KILLER WHALE: 17 MONTHS

There\u2019s a reason for the long wait: after that 17 months, Baby Shamu emerges weighing anywhere from 265 to 353 pounds and measuring about 8.5 feet long. Yikes.

5. OPOSSUM: 12-13 DAYS

\"A
A baby opossum wrapped up in a blanket /

Blink and you'll miss it: This is the shortest gestation period of any mammal in North America. But since the lifespan of an opossum is only two to four years, it makes sense.

6. GERBILS: 25 DAYS

Hey, they get off pretty easy.

7. GORILLAS: 8.5 MONTHS

It's not a huge surprise that their gestational periods are pretty similar to ours, right?

8. BLACK BEAR: 220 DAYS

\"A
A pair of black bear cubs /

Also less than a human. Interestingly, cubs might only be 6 to 8 inches in length at birth and are completely hairless.\u00a0

9. PORCUPINE: 112 DAYS

This is the longest gestation period of any rodent. Thankfully for the mother, porcupine babies (a.k.a. porcupettes) are actually born with soft quills, and it's not until after birth that they harden up.

10. WALRUS: 15 MONTHS

Baby walruses? Kind of adorable. They certainly take their sweet time coming out, though.

Home/ANIMALS
\n \n ", + "page_last_modified": " Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:21:19 GMT" + }, + { + "page_name": "What Animal Has the Longest Pregnancy? | Live Science", + "page_url": "https://www.livescience.com/33086-what-animal-has-the-longest-pregnancy.html", + "page_snippet": "An elephant's pregnancy lasts for more than a year and a half.The average gestation period of an elephant is about 640 to 660 days, or roughly 95 weeks. By comparison, a human pregnancy lasts an average of 280 days, or 40 weeks. Female elephants live for 60 to 70 years, but only have about four offspring throughout their lifetime. Elephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals. These gentle giants' pregnancies last for more than a year and a half.", + "page_result": "\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Animal Has the Longest Pregnancy? | Live Science\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSkip to main content\n
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What Animal Has the Longest Pregnancy?

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By Remy Melina
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Elephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals. These gentle giants' pregnancies last for more than a year and a half.

The average gestation period of an elephant is about 640 to 660 days, or roughly 95 weeks. By comparison, a human pregnancy lasts an average of 280 days, or 40 weeks. Female elephants live for 60 to 70 years, but only have about four offspring throughout their lifetime.

Although elephants usually only carry one baby at a time, one to two percent of elephant births produce twins. When an elephant gives birth, the other elephants in the herd form a protective circle around the mother during the delivery .

Got a question? Send us an email and we'll crack it. Follow Remy Melina on Twitter @RemyMelina

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Remy Melina
Remy Melina was a staff writer for Live Science from 2010 to 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors.
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\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n", + "page_last_modified": " Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:24:19 GMT" + }, + { + "page_name": "12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period", + "page_url": "https://www.treehugger.com/animals-with-the-longest-gestation-period-4869368", + "page_snippet": "Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Despite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.) With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. ... Not all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Although all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.", + "page_result": "\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n \n \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n
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\nAnimals\n\n\n\nWildlife\n
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\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n

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\nBy\n
\nBryan Nelson\n
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\nHuman mothers have a relatively long gestation period compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, but a few animal mothers go even further.\n

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\nThe size of the offspring is usually a determining factor, but not all lengthy gestations end with a big baby. Here's our list of the animals with the most prolonged gestation periods.\n

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Elephants

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

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\nElephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals, carrying their young for 18 to 22 months before giving birth.\n

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\nLong developmental periods are common among highly intelligent animals. Since elephants are the largest living and biggest-brained land animals in the world, there's a lot of development for elephants to do in the womb.\n

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\n13 Fascinating Facts About Elephants\n
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Manatees

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\nYou might not know if a portly manatee is pregnant simply by looking at the animal, but this gentle giant carries its young for nearly 13 months.\n

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\nLounging around in the water all day helps to relieve some of the extra weight, but a manatee mother is still owed plenty of respect for her patience.\n

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\n10 Manatee Facts You Didn't Know\n
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Camels

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irabel8 / Shutterstock

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\nCamels are known for their stubborn and crabbish personalities, but consider this: camels have a gestation period of 13 to 15 months.\n

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\nThe month in which conception occurred can shift the birthdate, with November conceptions pushing the birth 18 days longer than a May conception.\n

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\nOther camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months).\n

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\n9 Fascinating Facts About Camels\n
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Giraffes

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\nGiraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).\n

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\nDespite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.)\n

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\nWith lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay.\n

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\n15 Facts You Might Not Know About Giraffes\n
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Velvet Worm

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Pedro Bernardo / Shutterstock

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\nNot all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. This bizarre-looking creature carries its young for as long as 15 months.\n

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\nDespite the name, they aren't true worms and they aren't made of velvet. Their bodies are covered with sensory hairs, which gives them a velvety appearance.\n

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\nThey are considered close relatives of both arthropods (spiders and insects) and true worms (like the earthworm)\u2014making them especially interesting to paleontologists.\n

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Rhinoceros

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

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\nIt might not come as a surprise that rhinos\u2014because of their sheer size\u2014are next on the list, with a gestation period of about 15 to 18 months, depending on the species.\n

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\nThis long gestation period is also an obstacle to replenishing the population. All five species of rhinoceros are endangered or considered vulnerable, and three of the five are considered critically endangered.\n

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Walruses

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U.S. Geological Survey\u00a0/ Flickr / Public Domain

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\nWalruses have the longest gestation period of all pinnipeds (a group of mammals that includes seals and sea lions), carrying their young for as long as 15 to 16 months.\n

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\nSeal and sea lion mothers don't get off easy and carry their offspring for about 330 and 350 days, respectively. Walruses also have the lowest reproductive rate of any pinniped.\n

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\n8 Facts About the Wonderful Walrus\n
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Whales and Dolphins

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\nWhales and dolphins, grouped under the cetacean umbrella, are known for their high intelligence, complex societies, and peaceful personalities\u2014so it's no surprise that they also take a lot of care in developing their young.\n

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\nAlthough all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.\n

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Black Alpine Salamanders

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Thomas Huntke/ Wikimedia Commons /\u00a0CC BY-SA 3.0 DE

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\nBlack alpine salamanders are amphibians that live in the Central and Eastern Alps and give birth to live young. Their pregnancies can last from two to three years, depending on the altitude at which the salamanders live.\n

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\nThey typically bear two fully developed young. This salamander's life expectancy has been estimated to last from 10 to even 20 years.\n

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Sharks

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\nPregnancy length can vary significantly by species. The spiny dogfish shark can carry young for about two years, while basking sharks can do so for as long as three years. The frilled shark can wait 3.5 years before giving birth.\n

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Tapirs

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\nA tapir may appear to be a cross between a pig and an anteater, but it's actually most closely related to horses and rhinos and shares a similarly long gestation period.\n

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\nA tapir calf is born after 13 months in the womb. Newborns have special brown- and beige-striped markings that help camouflage them from predators, but the pattern fades after a few months when the young tapir becomes more mobile.\n

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\n8 Surprising Facts About Tapirs\n
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Donkeys

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\nA female donkey, known as a jenny or a mare, typically gives birth to one foal about a year after mating, but some pregnancies can last nearly 14 months.\n

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\nIf that isn't enough, 5 to 13 days after the birth of the foal, the Jenny can go into what is known as "foal heat" and be bred again.\n

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\n10 Surprising Facts About Donkeys\n
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Why This Matters

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\nUnderstanding the lifecycles and behaviors of our fellow creatures is key to protecting biodiversity and habitat conservation. We hope that the more we learn about amazing species like those on this list, the more motivated we\u2019ll all be to help protect them.\n

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\t\t\n\n\t\t\n", + "page_last_modified": "" + }, + { + "page_name": "12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period", + "page_url": "https://www.treehugger.com/animals-with-the-longest-gestation-period-4869368", + "page_snippet": "Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Despite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.) With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. ... Not all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Although all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.", + "page_result": "\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n \n \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n
\nSkip to content\n
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\nAnimals\n\n\n\nWildlife\n
\n

\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\nBy\n
\nBryan Nelson\n
\n
\n
\nBryan Nelson\n
\n
\n
    \n
  • \n \n\n\n
    • \n
\n
\n\nWriter\n
    \n
  • \nSUNY Oswego
    • \n
  • \nUniversity of Houston
    • \n
\n
\nBryan Nelson is a science writer and award-winning documentary filmmaker with over a decade of experience covering technology, astronomy, medicine, animals, and more.\n
\n
\n
\nLearn about our \neditorial process\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Updated January 13, 2023
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Treehugger / Nez Riaz

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    • \n
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    • \n
  • \n Animal Rights\n\n\n\n
    • \n
  • \n Endangered Species\n\n\n\n
    • \n
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\n

\nHuman mothers have a relatively long gestation period compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, but a few animal mothers go even further.\n

\n

\nThe size of the offspring is usually a determining factor, but not all lengthy gestations end with a big baby. Here's our list of the animals with the most prolonged gestation periods.\n

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1
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of 12
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Elephants

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nElephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals, carrying their young for 18 to 22 months before giving birth.\n

\n

\nLong developmental periods are common among highly intelligent animals. Since elephants are the largest living and biggest-brained land animals in the world, there's a lot of development for elephants to do in the womb.\n

\n
\n13 Fascinating Facts About Elephants\n
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2
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Manatees

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Liquid Productions, LLC / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nYou might not know if a portly manatee is pregnant simply by looking at the animal, but this gentle giant carries its young for nearly 13 months.\n

\n

\nLounging around in the water all day helps to relieve some of the extra weight, but a manatee mother is still owed plenty of respect for her patience.\n

\n
\n10 Manatee Facts You Didn't Know\n
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3
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Camels

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irabel8 / Shutterstock

\n
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\nCamels are known for their stubborn and crabbish personalities, but consider this: camels have a gestation period of 13 to 15 months.\n

\n

\nThe month in which conception occurred can shift the birthdate, with November conceptions pushing the birth 18 days longer than a May conception.\n

\n

\nOther camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months).\n

\n
\n9 Fascinating Facts About Camels\n
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Giraffes

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\nColdimages / Getty Images\n
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\n

\nGiraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).\n

\n

\nDespite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.)\n

\n

\nWith lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay.\n

\n
\n15 Facts You Might Not Know About Giraffes\n
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5
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Velvet Worm

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Pedro Bernardo / Shutterstock

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\n
\n

\nNot all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. This bizarre-looking creature carries its young for as long as 15 months.\n

\n

\nDespite the name, they aren't true worms and they aren't made of velvet. Their bodies are covered with sensory hairs, which gives them a velvety appearance.\n

\n

\nThey are considered close relatives of both arthropods (spiders and insects) and true worms (like the earthworm)\u2014making them especially interesting to paleontologists.\n

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Rhinoceros

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

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\nIt might not come as a surprise that rhinos\u2014because of their sheer size\u2014are next on the list, with a gestation period of about 15 to 18 months, depending on the species.\n

\n

\nThis long gestation period is also an obstacle to replenishing the population. All five species of rhinoceros are endangered or considered vulnerable, and three of the five are considered critically endangered.\n

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Walruses

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U.S. Geological Survey\u00a0/ Flickr / Public Domain

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\nWalruses have the longest gestation period of all pinnipeds (a group of mammals that includes seals and sea lions), carrying their young for as long as 15 to 16 months.\n

\n

\nSeal and sea lion mothers don't get off easy and carry their offspring for about 330 and 350 days, respectively. Walruses also have the lowest reproductive rate of any pinniped.\n

\n
\n8 Facts About the Wonderful Walrus\n
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Whales and Dolphins

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Jan Daly / Shutterstock

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\nWhales and dolphins, grouped under the cetacean umbrella, are known for their high intelligence, complex societies, and peaceful personalities\u2014so it's no surprise that they also take a lot of care in developing their young.\n

\n

\nAlthough all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.\n

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Black Alpine Salamanders

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Thomas Huntke/ Wikimedia Commons /\u00a0CC BY-SA 3.0 DE

\n
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\nBlack alpine salamanders are amphibians that live in the Central and Eastern Alps and give birth to live young. Their pregnancies can last from two to three years, depending on the altitude at which the salamanders live.\n

\n

\nThey typically bear two fully developed young. This salamander's life expectancy has been estimated to last from 10 to even 20 years.\n

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Sharks

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VisionDive / Shutterstock

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\nUnlike most fish, sharks are K-selected reproducers\u2014meaning they produce a small number of well-developed young as opposed to a large number of poorly developed young.\n

\n

\nPregnancy length can vary significantly by species. The spiny dogfish shark can carry young for about two years, while basking sharks can do so for as long as three years. The frilled shark can wait 3.5 years before giving birth.\n

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Tapirs

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Nick Fox / Shutterstock

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\nA tapir may appear to be a cross between a pig and an anteater, but it's actually most closely related to horses and rhinos and shares a similarly long gestation period.\n

\n

\nA tapir calf is born after 13 months in the womb. Newborns have special brown- and beige-striped markings that help camouflage them from predators, but the pattern fades after a few months when the young tapir becomes more mobile.\n

\n
\n8 Surprising Facts About Tapirs\n
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Donkeys

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Geza Farkas / Shutterstock

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\nA female donkey, known as a jenny or a mare, typically gives birth to one foal about a year after mating, but some pregnancies can last nearly 14 months.\n

\n

\nIf that isn't enough, 5 to 13 days after the birth of the foal, the Jenny can go into what is known as "foal heat" and be bred again.\n

\n
\n10 Surprising Facts About Donkeys\n
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\n
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Why This Matters

\n

\nUnderstanding the lifecycles and behaviors of our fellow creatures is key to protecting biodiversity and habitat conservation. We hope that the more we learn about amazing species like those on this list, the more motivated we\u2019ll all be to help protect them.\n

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\t\t\n\n\t\t\n", + "page_last_modified": "" + }, + { + "page_name": "12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period", + "page_url": "https://www.treehugger.com/animals-with-the-longest-gestation-period-4869368", + "page_snippet": "Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Despite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.) With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. With lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay. ... Not all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. Other camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months). ... Giraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months). Although all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.", + "page_result": "\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n \n \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n
\nSkip to content\n
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Sustainability for All.
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\nAnimals\n\n\n\nWildlife\n
\n

\n12 Animals With the Longest Gestation Period\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\nBy\n
\nBryan Nelson\n
\n
\n
\nBryan Nelson\n
\n
\n
    \n
  • \n \n\n\n
    • \n
\n
\n\nWriter\n
    \n
  • \nSUNY Oswego
    • \n
  • \nUniversity of Houston
    • \n
\n
\nBryan Nelson is a science writer and award-winning documentary filmmaker with over a decade of experience covering technology, astronomy, medicine, animals, and more.\n
\n
\n
\nLearn about our \neditorial process\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Updated January 13, 2023
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    • \n
  • \n\n\n\n\n\n
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  • \n\n\n\n\n\n
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Treehugger / Nez Riaz

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    \n
  • \n \n\n\nWildlife\n\n\n\n
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  • \n Animal Rights\n\n\n\n
    • \n
  • \n Endangered Species\n\n\n\n
    • \n
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\n
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\n
\n

\nHuman mothers have a relatively long gestation period compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, but a few animal mothers go even further.\n

\n

\nThe size of the offspring is usually a determining factor, but not all lengthy gestations end with a big baby. Here's our list of the animals with the most prolonged gestation periods.\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
1
\n
of 12
\n
\n
\n

Elephants

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nElephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals, carrying their young for 18 to 22 months before giving birth.\n

\n

\nLong developmental periods are common among highly intelligent animals. Since elephants are the largest living and biggest-brained land animals in the world, there's a lot of development for elephants to do in the womb.\n

\n
\n13 Fascinating Facts About Elephants\n
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2
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\n
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Manatees

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Liquid Productions, LLC / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nYou might not know if a portly manatee is pregnant simply by looking at the animal, but this gentle giant carries its young for nearly 13 months.\n

\n

\nLounging around in the water all day helps to relieve some of the extra weight, but a manatee mother is still owed plenty of respect for her patience.\n

\n
\n10 Manatee Facts You Didn't Know\n
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3
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Camels

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irabel8 / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nCamels are known for their stubborn and crabbish personalities, but consider this: camels have a gestation period of 13 to 15 months.\n

\n

\nThe month in which conception occurred can shift the birthdate, with November conceptions pushing the birth 18 days longer than a May conception.\n

\n

\nOther camelids, such as llamas, also have a long gestation period\u2014about 330 days (11 months).\n

\n
\n9 Fascinating Facts About Camels\n
\n
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4
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of 12
\n
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Giraffes

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\n
\nColdimages / Getty Images\n
\n
\n

\nGiraffes have gestation periods anywhere from 400 to 460 days (13-15 months).\n

\n

\nDespite being the tallest land animal in the world, the mother gives birth standing up\u2014so the baby needs to be big enough to brace for a long fall. (Interestingly, the fall is typically what bursts the embryonic sac.)\n

\n

\nWith lions and other predators nearby, the world is a dangerous place for baby giraffes when they first come into the world\u2014part of the reason for the long delay.\n

\n
\n15 Facts You Might Not Know About Giraffes\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
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5
\n
of 12
\n
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\n

Velvet Worm

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\n

Pedro Bernardo / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nNot all animals with long gestation periods are large mammals. There are some worm-like animals that bear live young, including the velvet worm. This bizarre-looking creature carries its young for as long as 15 months.\n

\n

\nDespite the name, they aren't true worms and they aren't made of velvet. Their bodies are covered with sensory hairs, which gives them a velvety appearance.\n

\n

\nThey are considered close relatives of both arthropods (spiders and insects) and true worms (like the earthworm)\u2014making them especially interesting to paleontologists.\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
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\n
6
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of 12
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Rhinoceros

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john michael evan potter / Shutterstock

\n
\n
\n

\nIt might not come as a surprise that rhinos\u2014because of their sheer size\u2014are next on the list, with a gestation period of about 15 to 18 months, depending on the species.\n

\n

\nThis long gestation period is also an obstacle to replenishing the population. All five species of rhinoceros are endangered or considered vulnerable, and three of the five are considered critically endangered.\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
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\n
7
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of 12
\n
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Walruses

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U.S. Geological Survey\u00a0/ Flickr / Public Domain

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\nWalruses have the longest gestation period of all pinnipeds (a group of mammals that includes seals and sea lions), carrying their young for as long as 15 to 16 months.\n

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\nSeal and sea lion mothers don't get off easy and carry their offspring for about 330 and 350 days, respectively. Walruses also have the lowest reproductive rate of any pinniped.\n

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\n8 Facts About the Wonderful Walrus\n
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Whales and Dolphins

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\nWhales and dolphins, grouped under the cetacean umbrella, are known for their high intelligence, complex societies, and peaceful personalities\u2014so it's no surprise that they also take a lot of care in developing their young.\n

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\nAlthough all species have different gestation periods, orcas have the longest period among dolphins at about 17 months. Some sperm whales\u2014the largest living predators\u2014have been known to carry their young for up to 19 months.\n

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Black Alpine Salamanders

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\nBlack alpine salamanders are amphibians that live in the Central and Eastern Alps and give birth to live young. Their pregnancies can last from two to three years, depending on the altitude at which the salamanders live.\n

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\nThey typically bear two fully developed young. This salamander's life expectancy has been estimated to last from 10 to even 20 years.\n

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Sharks

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\nUnlike most fish, sharks are K-selected reproducers\u2014meaning they produce a small number of well-developed young as opposed to a large number of poorly developed young.\n

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\nPregnancy length can vary significantly by species. The spiny dogfish shark can carry young for about two years, while basking sharks can do so for as long as three years. The frilled shark can wait 3.5 years before giving birth.\n

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Tapirs

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\nA tapir may appear to be a cross between a pig and an anteater, but it's actually most closely related to horses and rhinos and shares a similarly long gestation period.\n

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\nA tapir calf is born after 13 months in the womb. Newborns have special brown- and beige-striped markings that help camouflage them from predators, but the pattern fades after a few months when the young tapir becomes more mobile.\n

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\n8 Surprising Facts About Tapirs\n
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Donkeys

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\nA female donkey, known as a jenny or a mare, typically gives birth to one foal about a year after mating, but some pregnancies can last nearly 14 months.\n

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\nIf that isn't enough, 5 to 13 days after the birth of the foal, the Jenny can go into what is known as "foal heat" and be bred again.\n

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\n10 Surprising Facts About Donkeys\n
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Why This Matters

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\nUnderstanding the lifecycles and behaviors of our fellow creatures is key to protecting biodiversity and habitat conservation. We hope that the more we learn about amazing species like those on this list, the more motivated we\u2019ll all be to help protect them.\n

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