Do whales grieve? Scientists’ research off Australia’s Gold Coast suggests they might | Olaf Meynecke for the Conversation
Scientists observed a humpback whale mother staying with her stillborn calf for over an hour, suggesting possible grief. The event was captured on video off Australia’s Gold Coast. Researchers say the behavior could reflect maternal attachment or caregiving instincts.
A humpback whale mother was seen repeatedly returning to her stillborn calf, touching it and resting nearby. The footage shows the mother staying with the calf for over an hour.
The observation adds to understanding of how whales respond to death and may indicate complex emotional behaviors. It highlights the deep social bonds among these animals.
The story shows the emotional depth of animals and encourages reflection on the connections between species. It offers a moment of quiet observation and empathy.
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