Scientists film whale giving birth while other whales work together to help her
Female named Rounder surrounded by family members when about to give birth to her second calf
TL;DR
- Scientists captured the first-ever film of a sperm whale giving birth, with other females assisting.
- The event occurred off the coast of Dominica on July 8, 2023, involving a pod of 11 whales.
- The mother, Rounder, was supported by other females, including unrelated individuals, during her 34-minute labor.
- Post-birth, the pod collectively nudged and supported the newborn calf, lifting it to the surface for its first breaths.
- This behavior is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation for cetaceans, which returned to the ocean from land, to prevent newborns from drowning.
- Whale calves are born tail-first and sink after birth, requiring assistance to breathe.
- This is the first evidence of birth assistance in non-primates, similar to observed behavior in primates.
- The whales exhibited changes in vocalizations, potentially coordinating support or protection.
- Sperm whale calves have long gestation periods (up to 16 months) and are born large, relying on their mother for at least two years.
- The newborn was later spotted with other young whales, indicating it survived its first year.