A dolphin mother may carry her dead calf for days. This act is generally interpreted as a form of maternal grief and bonding behavior.

1. Strong Maternal Bond

• Dolphins form intense attachments to their calves.
• A mother invests significant time and energy in raising her young, so the sudden loss may not immediately “register.” Carrying the calf may be her way of not letting go of that bond.

2. Grief and Mourning

• Many researchers interpret this as an expression of grief, similar to mourning behaviors in elephants, primates, and some bird species.
• By carrying the calf, the mother may be processing the loss emotionally.

3. Confusion or Denial

• Dolphins may not immediately recognize that the calf has died. Instinct tells them to protect, guide, and support the young in the water.
• It can take days for the mother to realize the calf will not revive.

4. Learning and Social Communication

• Other dolphins in the pod sometimes gather around, as if observing or sharing in the loss.
• This behavior could serve a social learning purpose, strengthening bonds in the group and communicating the experience of death.

5. Evolutionary Perspective

• Even though carrying a dead calf has no survival advantage, behaviors rooted in deep maternal instinct can persist.
• It may simply be an extension of protective instincts—dolphins are wired to care for their calves at all costs.

A dolphin carries her dead calf across the sea because of deep maternal attachment, grief, and instinctive caregiving behavior. It is a striking example of how animals experience emotions and loss. This reminds us of the depth of their sentience.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0