Science News · Science

Humpback Whale Calf Death Sparks Grief Observations

Scientists have documented a rare instance of a humpback whale mother appearing to mourn her dead calf, suggesting baleen whales may experience grief.

Marine biologist Olaf Meynecke and rescue boat captain Andrew Mulville reported the sighting, noting that while such behavior is documented in toothed whales like orcas, it's rarely observed in baleen whales.

The rarity in baleen whales may be due to their calves lacking the fat stores that cause carcasses to float, making interactions on the seafloor difficult for humans to witness.

This is believed to be the first detailed documentation of a humpback attending to a deceased calf.

The observation occurred when Mulville spotted a female humpback repeatedly diving to the seafloor, placing her pectoral fin over her stillborn calf, and resting beside it.

The mother and a presumed male escort remained in the area for two additional days, leading researchers to believe they exhibited prolonged behavioral changes consistent with mourning.

While the behavior suggests grief, researchers caution against anthropomorphizing, emphasizing that whales experience the world differently than humans.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.