10.08.2026 20:40
Footage recorded off the coast of Australia has revealed a heartbreaking sight regarding the social bonds of dolphins. A mother dolphin named Fraggle carried her deceased calf with her for days, while other dolphins did not leave her alone. Scientists state that this behavior sheds light on dolphins' responses to death and their strong social relationships.
A mother dolphin named "Fraggle," spotted off the coast of Bunbury, Australia, was recorded carrying her deceased calf for days. While the other dolphins swimming around the mother also drew attention, scientists note that this behavior reveals the strong social bonds of dolphins.
COULD NOT LET GO OF HER DEAD CALF
The Geographe Marine Research team, conducting marine studies off the coast of Bunbury, Australia, recorded a striking image. The mother dolphin named "Fraggle" was seen carrying the lifeless body of her calf, born about two weeks ago but which had died, on the water's surface.
Not only did the mother dolphin refuse to let go of her calf, but the other dolphins also swimming around her drew attention.
HAS LOST HER LAST FOUR CALVES
According to information reported by the New York Times, the images were shared by Geographe Marine Research. Researchers stated that they had previously hoped Fraggle could become a mother again, but that her last four calves have all died.
According to researchers, rapid breathing was observed in the calf before its death. This was considered a sign that the calf's health condition was deteriorating.
OTHER DOLPHINS ALSO ACCOMPANIED HER
Dolphins carrying their dead calves with them for a certain period is a previously observed behavior. However, other dolphins accompanying the mother during this process particularly drew the researchers' attention.
Geographe Marine Research assessed that other dolphins swimming alongside Fraggle could be an indication of the strong social bonds within the species.
HOW DOES THE SCIENTIFIC WORLD EXPLAIN THIS BEHAVIOR?
Dolphins and whales carrying their dead calves, staying close to their bodies, or continuing to protect them is defined as "postmortem attentive behavior" in scientific studies.
Researchers think this behavior may be linked to an effort to revive the dead calf or make sense of its death. Additionally, whether this behavior reflects a form of mourning response in animals is also debated in the scientific world.
Fraggle being seen carrying her calf's lifeless body together with other dolphins was considered one of the striking examples of dolphin social life.