Heartbroken Dolphin Carries Deceased Calf, Roams for Days to Mourn

Mother dolphin Fraggle has been roaming for several days carrying the body of her deceased calf, an act believed to be part of her mourning process.

According to a video shared on the Facebook page of Australian marine conservation organization Geograhe Marine Research, the mother dolphin was seen carrying the body of her calf, which died at only two weeks old, wandering for several days. The footage shows the dolphin repeatedly pushing and lifting the calf's body at the water's surface.

The video post also shared that this touching event took place at the Leschenault Estuary in Perth, Western Australia.

The post shared that researchers from the institute found that dolphin Fraggle is mourning her calf, who was born only two weeks ago. This deceased calf is the fourth offspring the mother dolphin has lost.

The organization also pointed out that after the calf was born, its breathing rate was abnormally high, which is a sign of a low survival chance. Giving birth in winter also increases survival challenges.

Drone footage showed that during this period, the pod that Fraggle belongs to continued to stay by her side, giving her support and demonstrating the incredibly close family bond between them.

In addition, experts say that it is common for dolphins to show similar mourning behaviors after a calf's death, often carrying the body for days. Ultimately, they must let go of the calf, resume foraging, and continue with their lives.