Story perspectives

Sperm Whales Display Cooperative Birth in Groundbreaking Video

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 8, 2023, researchers captured the first video of a sperm whale giving birth off Dominica.
The 11 female whales from two unrelated matrilines cooperatively lifted the calf to the surface so it could breathe.
This behavior challenges the view that such cooperation is limited to humans and primates, revealing complex sociality.
The study, published in Science, notes vocalization shifts during moments, suggesting a link between communication and bonding.

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Story summary

On July 8, 2023, researchers captured the first video of a sperm whale giving birth off Dominica.
The 11 female whales from two unrelated matrilines cooperatively lifted the calf to the surface so it could breathe.
This behavior challenges the view that such cooperation is limited to humans and primates, revealing complex sociality.
The study, published in Science, notes vocalization shifts during moments, suggesting a link between communication and bonding.