Mother humpback whale carries stillborn calf through ocean in rare behaviour
Researchers have documented a rare instance of a mother humpback whale displaying prolonged, attentive behavior toward her stillborn calf off the coast of Australia. This behavior, previously observed in toothed whales, is the first scientifically recorded case of its kind in baleen whales.
Why it matters
It provides new insights into the emotional and social complexity of baleen whales, which are rarely observed in such intimate, grief-like interactions.
A mother humpback whale was filmed repeatedly returning to her stillborn calf off Australia’s Gold Coast, displaying prolonged attention toward the newborn in an encounter researchers describe as the first scientifically documented case of such behaviour in the species. The footage, recorded in July 2025, is now detailed in a new study published in Discover Animals, with ABC News, AAP and Griffith University also reporting on the findings. The footage was captured near Palm Beach Reef after the whale had apparently given birth. The calf was found lying on the seafloor, with no visible movement or breathing. Rather than leaving the area, the mother repeatedly returned to the calf. Researchers observed her approaching the body, touching it with her head and pectoral fin and positioning herself alongside it. At times, she remained almost motionless beside the newborn, appearing to maintain eye-to-eye contact. The observation lasted at least several hours.
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