Sperm Whales Conduct Rescue Operation for Newborn Calf

Biologist Shane Hero initially felt horror upon seeing a blurred, bloody spot surrounding his beloved family of sperm whales. However, instead of witnessing a predator attack, he became a witness to a unique spectacle—the birth of a 900-kilogram calf. This event, captured near the shores of Dominica, opened scientists' eyes to the existence of a true 'marine village' where relatives and even unrelated individuals come together to prevent the newborn from simply drowning in its first moments of life.

The survival challenge for sperm whales begins with their so-called negative buoyancy at birth. Unlike many other mammals, a whale calf does not float; instead, it sinks like a stone because its muscles are not yet capable of battling the water's density, and its flippers remain bent after being in the womb. This complicates the birthing and survival process for newborn sperm whales, which require assistance from those around them.

On July 8, 2023, scientists from the CETI project witnessed how this biological deficiency was compensated for by social cohesion. While a mother named Rounder struggled for 34 minutes in labor, pushing her calf out tail-first, a tight ring of 11 whales gathered around her. This illustrates how crucial support is within sperm whale families during such critical moments.

As soon as the calf slipped into the water, 'midwives' sprang into action. Aunt Aurora, Grandma Lady Oracle, and even a young female named Ariel, who had no direct familial ties to the newborn, began to dive under it in turn. They methodically nudged the helpless body upward with their snouts, literally forcing it to the surface so it could take its first breath. This astonishing phenomenon demonstrates the importance of social structure and support within the sperm whale community.

'This is the most detailed window into one of the most critical moments in a whale's life that we have ever had,' notes Shane Hero. Thanks to decades of studying this group, known as Unit A, researchers were able to outline the roles of each member of the 'rescue operation' minute by minute. This discovery could change our understanding of the social behavior of marine mammals.

Throughout this time, the ocean was literally boiling with sounds: hydrophones recorded over 5,700 specific acoustic signals, known as codes. Sperm whales were not just making noise—the structure of their 'conversations' changed dramatically, becoming denser when foreign pilot whales attempted to approach the group. This indicates that sperm whales possess a complex communication system that can be used to coordinate actions during dangerous situations. Furthermore, analysis revealed characteristics within their clicks that resemble vowel sounds in human language, underscoring their intelligence and social complexity.

This unique event once again confirms the significance of social bonds in the world of sperm whales and opens new horizons for studying their behavior and communication. Scientists hope that further research will help deepen the understanding of these complex social structures and their impact on the species' survival.