[Hugin]

Your tree-hugging tendencies can be adjusted by some facts. First there is no evidence that whales are particularly smarter than other mamals like say pigs or deer (I've seen some darn smart pigs). Second, whales as a whole are not endangered. Only one species are endangered, Right whales, and that's from collisions with ships and fishing nets, not whalers. Some species like Blue and Bowhead whales are scarce, but their popluations have been on the rise for a while. But most species are doing fine. There are for example over a quarter of a million Minke whales in the North Atlantic.

As for taste, different whales taste different. Minke whale has been described as tasting like veal soaked in fish oil, while beaked whales are said to taste like filet mignon.

[Temple Owl]

A great little lesson on whales. Good post!

[honeymagnolia]

Trust me, it doesn't. More like mountain oysters. Eeewww!!

[lowbridge]

As for taste, different whales taste different. Minke whale has been described as tasting like veal soaked in fish oil, while beaked whales are said to taste like filet mignon.

Soylent Green (another type of mammal) on the other hand, tastes just like chicken.

[samtheman]

I agree that pigs are smart, but they are domesticated for food production and to me that does make a difference. Whales in the wild seem a different matter to me. Eat them if you want. I won't.