Scientists filmed a whale birth and found many helpers.

Researchers documented a sperm whale birth off Dominica in July 2023 in which multiple group members, including non-relatives, assisted the mother and newborn; two studies in Science and Scientific Reports analyzed the whales' behavior and vocalizations.

Researchers recorded a sperm whale birth in July 2023 off Dominica using drones, boat photography and underwater acoustic recorders. At the surface a group of whales gathered and, after signs of labor and a plume of blood, a newborn appeared and was repeatedly lifted so it could breathe. Two peer-reviewed papers in Science and Scientific Reports analyzed the event, using machine learning and acoustic data. Scientists note that several attendants were not closely related to the mother, suggesting helping behavior beyond immediate kin. Observed details: - The birth was documented with two aerial drones, acoustic recorders and photographs taken from boats. - A group that initially numbered 11 adults formed at the surface; a smaller, 12th whale (the calf) was lifted by others so it could surface to breathe. - The mother, known as Rounder, was attended by close relatives including Lady Oracle (her mother) and Aurora (a sister), plus non-relatives such as a young whale called Ariel and the adolescent male Allan. - The calf was born tail-first, delivery was completed about 34 minutes after the emergence captured by drone, and the calf was often touched by at least two whales at a time. - Machine learning analysis showed the group oriented toward the mother during labor and toward the newborn after birth, and researchers observed changes in click patterns and call density during the event. - The studies in Science and Scientific Reports examined spacing, orientation, contact and vocal changes; Project CETI investigators continue to analyze the recordings and the presence of other species that were nearby. Summary: The observations add to evidence that some social mammals provide assistance to mothers and newborns, and that such support can include non-kin. Scientists continue to analyze the behavioral and acoustic data; the role of other nearby species, including short-finned pilot whales, remains undetermined at this time.