Scientists watch sperm whales work as a team to assist a birth

Scientists watch sperm whales work as a team to assist a birth

March 27, 2026 6:00 AM ET
By Nathan Rott

Whale birth takes a village — or, pod

A recent groundbreaking study has shed light on the cooperative behavior exhibited by sperm whales during the birthing process. Researchers observed a group of eleven sperm whales, including non-relatives, assisting a new mother as she gave birth to her calf.

In July 2023, marine biologist Shane Gero and his research team were monitoring a sperm whale in the Caribbean Sea when they stumbled upon this extraordinary gathering. At first, the whales appeared unusually calm, lying still in the water. However, one hour into their observation, the scene suddenly transformed as a gush of blood colored the water, prompting Gero to initially suspect a predatory attack. In reality, the team was witnessing the birth of a calf.

Utilizing aerial drones, the researchers captured video footage of the entire event. They documented the laboring process and the moment the calf was born, which was tail-first, a typical occurrence for sperm whales.

The observations highlighted that, following the birth, multiple individuals—including those not genetically related to the mother—collaborated to keep the newborn calf buoyant. This action is critical because newborn sperm whales lack the buoyant, oil-filled organ present in adults. The coordination among the whales illustrated the existence of a complex and cooperative society, transcending mere familial connections. Gero stated, "The behaviors that we're seeing—in supporting the mom, in supporting the newborn—reflect a complex cooperative society that can't just be explained by, 'Oh, you're related.' There's something richer there."

The study's findings, published in the journals Science and Scientific Reports, represent the most comprehensive documentation of sperm whale births to date, emphasizing the complexity of their social structures. Through a combination of video analysis, machine learning techniques, and thorough field observations, Gero's team identified the mother as an individual known as Rounder, revealing that half of the whales present were not direct relatives.

This research not only enhances our understanding of sperm whale social behaviors but also stimulates discussions regarding their communication and cooperation during pivotal life moments, highlighting a degree of social structure and interaction that was previously unrecognized in marine mammals.

A group of sperm whales work to keep a newborn calf afloat in the hours after its birth.
Project CETI