Sperm whales work together to help a newborn during birth

Researchers recorded a sperm whale birth in the Caribbean in July 2023 and observed multiple individuals, including non-relatives, taking turns keeping the newborn calf afloat for about three hours, findings now described in two scientific papers.

Researchers observed a sperm whale birth in the Caribbean Sea in July 2023 and recorded the event with aerial drones and underwater microphones. The recordings and subsequent analysis were conducted by Project CETI and are reported in two papers published in Science and Scientific Reports. The team identified the birth mother as a female named Rounder and noted about eleven whales gathered near the surface during the event. Over roughly three hours, different individuals — including whales not closely related to Rounder — helped keep the newborn calf afloat so it could breathe. Key observations: - The birth and immediate post-birth period were filmed from the air and recorded underwater, providing the most detailed documentation of a sperm whale birth to date. - The mother was identified as Rounder using video, machine learning, and long-term field records. - The group at the surface included two matrilines; roughly half of the whales present were not directly related to the mother. - Newborn sperm whales are negatively buoyant and lack a fully developed oil-filled nasal sack, so the group took turns supporting the calf at the surface for about three hours. - The findings are described in papers in Science and Scientific Reports, and researchers plan further analysis of the recordings to study social dynamics and communication. Summary: The recordings show coordinated, cooperative behavior among sperm whales that appears to extend beyond close kinship, and experts note the pattern may reflect layered cultural and innate responses. The research team will continue to analyze the audio and video data to clarify social roles, timing, and the communication involved in the event.