Do Dolphins Mourn Their Dead?

A new report suggests that dolphins (like chimpanzees and elephants) may feel similar emotions to humans, specifically regarding a sense of ‘family’ and deep grief for the loss of a loved one.

Image: By Sbork (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Amanda Holt
BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography and Freelance Journalist
@Enviromint1 Amanda’s website

Animal behavioural research is increasingly showing some similarities in emotions with certain animals and humans. Anthropomorphism has been feared by researchers for many years, but it seems that behavioural research is making it difficult to deny certain deep emotions. A new report suggests that dolphins (like chimpanzees and elephants) may feel similar emotions to humans, specifically regarding a sense of ‘family’ and deep grief for the loss of a loved one.

A recent piece of research conducted in the Mediterranean Sea gave possible evidence for this. A researcher saw a mother dolphin as it responded to the death of her new born calf. She was seen repeatedly lifting the calf to the surface as it sank. The same researcher saw a similar scene a year later when a pod of dolphins were observed assisting a 3 month old dolphin, which was having difficulty swimming.

The researcher said: “My hypothesis is that the sick animal was kept company and given support, and when it died the group had done their job. In this case they had already assumed death would eventually come — they were prepared.”

A comprehension of their own mortality

Both examples suggested they exhibited not only a concept of mortality and grief, but they also showed a comprehension of their own mortality. The first dolphin appeared to be emoting deep grief for the loss of her calf, whilst the pod showed an understanding of peril of their fellow dolphin. Some of this behaviour has been backed by research into dolphin neurology. Results have shown that they possess “human-like spindle neurons” which (in humans) are linked to empathy, grief and intuition.

This behaviour has also been seen in elephants and chimpanzees. For instance, elephants have been spotted investigating bones of deceased elephants, whilst disregarding any other bones in the vicinity. Researchers have interpreted this as an understanding of what the bones represent. Although the evidence is not irrefutable, the increasing amount of evidence is allowing scientists to form a better picture of animal behaviour.

There are plenty of ways to get involved or learn more about these magnificent creatures. The WDCS and the Sea trust provide opportunities to learn more and get involved, whether it’s sightings or raising money.

Tags:

2 Comments

  • Hi, I am doing a research report in my class on mourning behaviors in animals but my teacher prefers us to use articles published in journals and the like. Do you happen to know where I can get a hold of anything published by these sightings/studies?

    Kevin 1st April 2012 at 3:27 am Reply
  • Hi Kevin, thanks for your interest. I think the best thing to do would be to contact Amanda who wrote this article. Her website is: http://enviromint.wordpress.com/ or via her twitter @Enviromint1

    Conservation Jobs 2nd April 2012 at 10:05 am Reply
Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.*

Tick the box or answer the captcha.

You might also like

  • Endangered Vaquita Still Genetically Healthy

    The vaquita is the world’s rarest marine mammal. Gillnet fisheries have caused them to become entangled in the nets, and has resulted in their numbers dropping to fewer than 20 individuals. However, there is still hope as one new study has proven that they exhibit few signs of inbreeding or other problems of small populations.

    By Alex Taylor
  • Boat Traffic Threatens Rare Dolphin

    Rare bottlenose dolphins in Panama’s Bocas Del Toro Archipelago are being threatened by boat traffic – scientists are now calling for them to be designated as endangered.

    By Alex Taylor
  • Dolphin and Porpoise Marine Protected Areas

    They may be competing for the same food or they may occupy the same niche. It is also thought that maybe the dolphins use the porpoises to practice fighting and catching prey, but the scientists that study this behaviour are no closer to agreeing on an answer.

    By Amy Featherstone
  • Peru’s Mystery Deaths

    As officials investigate the deaths, the Peruvian health ministry has recommended that people stay away from the country’s beaches.

    By Alex Taylor