Scientists have documented a rare and unprecedented event: a group of sperm whales working together to assist a birth. The incident, observed in July 2023 off the coast of Dominica in the Caribbean, was captured on video and audio by researchers from Project CETI, a nonprofit whale research organization. The footage, published in two studies in the journals Science and Scientific Reports, provides the most detailed account of a sperm whale birth to date.
The researchers, led by marine biologist Shane Gero, initially noticed 11 sperm whales gathered near the surface, behaving unusually calmly. After about an hour, the whales became more active, and a sudden gush of blood reddened the water. The researchers feared a predator attack but soon realized they were witnessing a birth. The footage captured the labor process, including the moment the calf's tail emerged, and the subsequent cooperative efforts of the whales.
The birth process lasted approximately 34 minutes, from the emergence of the calf's tail to its full delivery. After the birth, multiple adult female whales surrounded the mother and the newborn, taking turns lifting and supporting the calf to the surface to breathe. This behavior continued for several hours, demonstrating a highly coordinated and cooperative effort among the whales. The researchers identified the birth mother as a sperm whale named Rounder.
The team used aerial drones, underwater microphones, and machine learning to analyze the event. The drones recorded the whales' movements, while the microphones captured their clicking sounds, which are a form of communication. The researchers noted that the whales formed a tight cluster around the newborn, repeatedly touching and supporting it with their bodies.
The findings highlight the social and cooperative nature of sperm whales, which are known for their complex communication and social structures. The event is significant because there are very few documented accounts of sperm whale births, and this is the first time such detailed observations have been made in the wild. The researchers hope that this study will provide valuable insights into the behavior and social dynamics of these elusive mammals.