Scientists recently made a groundbreaking discovery: they filmed a sperm whale giving birth while others from her pod helped out. This event took place near Dominica on July 8, 2023. The research team was part of Project Ceti, which focuses on understanding whale communication.
The star of the show was a 19-year-old female whale named Rounder. Surrounded by her family and friends, she gave birth to her second calf. The team watched and recorded the entire experience, using drones and underwater sound technology. Their findings were published in Scientific Reports and Science, marking a rare moment in scientific observation.
Of the 93 species of cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises, only nine have been seen giving birth in the wild. Even more unusual is that unrelated whales were helping Rounder during her labor. As Shane Gero, a member of Project Ceti, noted, “This is the first evidence of birth assistance in non-primates.” It was remarkable to see the maternal support from not just Rounder’s relatives, but also from other females in the pod.
The actual birth lasted about 34 minutes. Other adult females dove under Rounder’s dorsal fin, positioning themselves to assist. Following the birth, the pod became extremely active, nudging and guiding the newborn to ensure it took its first breaths. The behaviors observed point to a strong social structure typical of sperm whales.
Sperm whales have a unique evolutionary history. Their ancestors transitioned from land back to the ocean, which led to special adaptations in their birthing process. For example, calves are born tail-first to prevent drowning. Yet, right after birth, they often sink. Hence, older whales are crucial in lifting the calf to help it breathe.
Interestingly, only primates and now these sperm whales are known to assist each other during birth. The coordination among the whales wasn’t limited to physical support; researchers also noted changes in vocal patterns during key moments. For instance, when pilot whales approached the pod after the birth, the sounds indicated that the group may have been coordinating efforts to protect the newborn.
Sperm whales are fascinating not just for their social structure but also for their life cycle. They have one of the longest gestation periods of any animal, lasting up to 16 months. At birth, calves are about 4 meters (13 feet) long and rely on their mother’s milk for the first two years. The young whales play a central role in the pod’s social dynamic, with others often taking on babysitting roles.
After the significant birth, the pod wasn’t spotted again for over a year. However, they were seen again on July 25, with the newly born calf thriving alongside other young whales. Surviving the first year is a critical milestone, suggesting the calf will likely reach adulthood.
This observation not only enriches our understanding of whale behavior but also highlights the complexities of their social structures. As we learn more about these majestic creatures, each discovery adds to the intricate tapestry of ocean life.
For further reading, you can check this related story on whale rescue efforts here.
