Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 7 h ago, last 34 min ago, peak #2

Humpback whale seen mourning stillborn calf off Queensland

Original: 🐋 NEW: In July 2025, a rescue boat captain near # Queensland spotted two # humpback # whales and the body of a stillborn

In July 2025, a rescue boat captain near Queensland spotted two humpback whales alongside the body of a stillborn calf on the seafloor. Footage shows the female diving repeatedly to the calf, making eye contact and resting a pectoral fin on it. Researchers describe the behaviour as grieving, adding to growing evidence that whales mourn their dead.

Why now: The striking footage of apparent grieving behaviour in whales is emotionally powerful and rare to witness.

humpback whalesQueenslandAustralia

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Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 13 snapshots from 7 h ago to 34 min ago.

Evidence

• 🐋 NEW: In July 2025, a rescue boat captain near # Queensland spotted two # humpback # whales and the body of a stillborn calf on the seafloor. # Video captured the female diving repeatedly to make eye contact and rest a pectoral fin on the calf. Researchers describe the… · tksst@fediscience.org · 10

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