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Sperm Whales Exhibit 36-Million-Year-Old Cooperative Birth Behavior

3/30/2026

49 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On July 8, 2023, Project CETI researchers observed a birth-assisted group of sperm whales off the coast of Dominica.
The mother, Rounder, was surrounded by 10 other whales that helped lift the calf to the surface.
Researchers say this cooperative birth behavior may date back more than 36 million years, indicating complex social structures.
The findings were published in Science and Scientific Reports.

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Story summary

On July 8, 2023, Project CETI researchers observed a birth-assisted group of sperm whales off the coast of Dominica.
The mother, Rounder, was surrounded by 10 other whales that helped lift the calf to the surface.
Researchers say this cooperative birth behavior may date back more than 36 million years, indicating complex social structures.
The findings were published in Science and Scientific Reports.