Experts describe the behavior of the dolphin mother as mourning.
Michael Manulevich
Footage released by a conservancy group shows a dolphin carrying a dead calf off the coast of Australia.
Researchers observed the dolphin mother carrying her dead calf through the sea for days. Other dolphins were seen accompanying the mother during the observation.
Experts called the behavior mourning.
While carrying dead calves is a common behavior among dolphins, the action often goes unobserved.
The dolphin mother, identified as 'Fraggle', has previously lost three calves, while the dead calf was approximately two weeks old and had shown an increased breathing rate prior to its death. Neuroscientist Lori Marino noted that the entire group recognizes the situation, as many animals are staying in close proximity to the mother. This behavior draws comparisons to the female orca 'Tahlequah', who carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018.
The dolphin mother, identified as 'Fraggle', previously lost three calves and was observed carrying the two-week-old calf, which had shown an increased breathing rate, near Perth. Neuroscientist Lori Marino noted that the entire dolphin group recognizes the situation as many animals remain in close proximity to the mother. This behavior mirrors the case of a female orca named 'Tahlequah' who carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018.
The dolphin mother, identified as 'Fraggle,' has reportedly lost three calves previously, though some sources dispute this figure, claiming a total of four losses. The dead calf, estimated to be two weeks old, died after suffering from a respiratory disease marked by an increased breathing rate. Additionally, the video capturing the incident was released by the Geographe Marine Research group on July 20.
