health
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.