Rare video of humpback whale with stillborn calf suggests species may experience form of grief
Marine scientists observed a female humpback whale interacting with her stillborn calf off the Gold Coast, suggesting potential grieving behavior. This rare documentation provides new insights into the emotional and social complexity of cetaceans.
Why it matters
Expands scientific understanding of animal cognition and emotional responses to death in marine mammals.
A female humpback whale was filmed interacting with its stillborn calf in waters off the Gold Coast last year.
Researchers say the encounter was a rare example of the species showing "grieving behaviour".
Scientists say more documentation is needed to better understand humpback whales' response to death and stress.
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A video of a female humpback whale and its stillborn calf, taken near the Gold Coast, is a rare glimpse into the species' reaction to death, researchers say.
The footage, filmed in waters off Palm Beach in July last year, shows a whale interacting with its deceased calf immediately after giving birth.
The mother approaches the calf several times, touching it with its head and fin, then lies still alongside the newborn's body.
The female and another "escort" whale remained with the stillborn for at least two hours.
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