Whale Post-Mortem Behaviour: Study details mother’s vigil; scientists urge further observations

A mother humpback whale was filmed repeatedly returning to her stillborn calf off Australia’s Gold Coast, displaying prolonged attention toward the newborn in an encounter researchers describe as the first scientifically documented case of such behaviour in the species. The footage, recorded in July 2025, is now detailed in a new study published in Discover Animals, with ABC News, AAP and Griffith University also reporting on the findings. The footage was captured near Palm Beach Reef after the whale had apparently given birth. The calf was found lying on the seafloor, with no visible movement or breathing. Rather than leaving the area, the mother repeatedly returned to the calf. Researchers observed her approaching the body, touching it with her head and pectoral fin and positioning herself alongside it. At times, she remained almost motionless beside the newborn, appearing to maintain eye-to-eye contact. The observation lasted at least several hours. Researchers believe the mother and an accompanying adult whale may have remained in the area for longer, potentially over subsequent days, although sightings after the initial encounter could not confirm that the same individuals wer...