Normally, our whale watching encounters are all about creating joyful memories. However, earlier this year, our team had a rare sighting that set off some different emotions when we spotted a white-beaked dolphin carrying her deceased and injured calf. The dolphin was swimming together with two other dolphins, and she kept arching her back in an unusual way. She was delicately balancing her dead calf on her head, diving down to retrieve it whenever it slipped away. The other dolphins hovered nearby, swimming slowly. We stayed with the dolphins for about 20-30 minutes, and they did not seem to have any intention to move, not ready to let go.
White-beaked dolphin carrying her deceased calf - photo by Emily Erskine
This touching moment left us reflecting on the question: do dolphins grieve? As it turns out, our cetacean friends do have their own ways of mourning, although it is impossible to understand how they perceive events of loss. Researchers have documented over 20 species of dolphins exhibiting behaviours resembling grief, carrying lifeless calves for extended periods. It could be that the individuals are trying to save each other, perhaps not understanding it is already too late for the deceased individual. However, some individuals take it to the extreme, carrying decomposing bodies around for days - they should realise by then that the calf cannot be helped and that there is no benefit in expending energy on it. Since such behaviours cannot be explained through an evolutionary lens, they may simply reflect the strong bond between mother and calf.
Another individual swimming close to the mother and calf - photo by Emily Erskine
Take, for example, the story of orca Tahlequah, who made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 heartbreaking days. While scientists hesitate to label these behaviours strictly as "grief," it’s nearly impossible to overlook the emotions playing out. With their complex social structures and large brains, it’s evident that these animals share deep bonds, and the loss of a member undoubtedly impacts them.
Tahlequa and her calf
These unforgettable experiences remind us that dolphins are more than just beautiful and intelligent beings—they possess rich emotional lives. Watching them deal with their joy and sorrow deepens our appreciation for the connections they share beneath the ocean's surface. Since this behaviour has rarely been documented for white-beaked dolphins, we feel lucky to have gained an insight into the lives of a species we frequently encounter, but apparently still have much to learn about.
By Eline van Aalderink, Research Coordinator
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