SPERM WHALES ’ADOPT’ DEFORMED DOLPHIN

This video depicts a very rare interaction between sperm whales and an adult bottlenose dolphin with a spinal malformation (i.e. scoliosis). This represents the first time this type of non-agonistic (friendly) interaction has been recorded for sperm whales. We published a description of these interactions in the scientific journal “Aquatic Mammals“. Wilson, . and Krause, J. 2013. Repeated non-agonistic interactions between a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Azorean waters . Aquatic Mammals, 39:89 - 96. The title of this video is taken from the title chosen for the first media article on this encounter which was published in Science News. #panel-5 This is a summary of our note - in scientific jargon ;) Mixed species groups are a well-known phenomenon in cetaceans, but difficulties associated with studying these interactions in marine habitats has limited the available amount of data and literature on this topic, particularly with regard to the functional bases of such interactions. While these associations can vary dramatically in duration (i.e. minutes to years), they are thought to convey a variety of benefits to the species involved including antipredator, foraging, or social benefits among others. Here we describe repeated non-agonistic interactions between a single bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with a vertebral column malformation (i.e. scoliosis) and a group or groups of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Azorean waters. To our knowledge, this study represents the first observations of a non-agonistic mixed-species interaction involving P. macrocephalus. Based on our observations, we suggest social factors represent the most likely causal mechanism for the described interactions, although foraging and antipredator mechanisms are also considered. NOTE: Special permission was granted to our research group to observe, film and swim with these whales by the Azorean government. Please do not copy any portion of this footage without my prior written consent.