Flipper Fun
Male walruses have been observed masturbating with their front flippers — aided by their enormous penis bone.
Walruses are among the many marine mammals documented engaging in masturbation. Males use their front flippers to stimulate themselves, and they have some anatomical advantages that help.
Like many marine mammals (and most mammals generally), walruses have a baculum — a penis bone. The walrus baculum is one of the largest in the animal kingdom, measuring up to 22 inches (56 cm) long.
This bone provides structural support, and walruses have been observed using it in combination with their flippers for self-stimulation. The behavior has been documented in both wild and captive animals.
Why might walruses masturbate? - No immediate mating opportunity — male walruses don't control access to females year-round - Stress relief — living in dense colonies can be stressful - Sexual frustration — dominant males monopolize most mating opportunities - Sperm management — possibly similar to ground squirrel theory
Walrus mating is intensely competitive. Males gather at breeding beaches and compete through displays, vocalizations, and combat. Most males never get to mate at all, while a few dominant bulls father most offspring.
For the majority of males who lose out on mating opportunities, masturbation may be the only sexual outlet available — a situation that parallels many other species with high male competition.