In 2023, a scientific team managed to film for the first time the birth of a female sperm whale off the Caribbean island of Dominica.
The video shows how 11 whales, mostly females, worked together to support the birth, lifting the newborn calf to the surface so it could breathe. This cooperative behavior is extremely rare in the animal kingdom, outside of primates.
Cooperation and social support
The entire birth lasted about 30 minutes, and for hours afterward, the whales held the calf at the surface until it could swim on its own. The most striking aspect was the participation of mothers, sisters, and daughters, even unrelated individuals, confirming the social cohesion of sperm whales, matriarchal societies where females lead and protect the group.
Researchers also observed that the whales emitted specific sounds during the birth, such as slower and prolonged clicks, possibly to synchronize their movements and facilitate cooperation.
A scientific and technological breakthrough
The finding was published in March 2026 in the journals Scientific Reports and Science. Scientists developed software to analyze the images and sounds, raising new questions about how these groups form and how they know when to support a birth.
This record is part of the CETI Project (Cetacean Translation Initiative), which seeks to decipher sperm whale communication through advanced artificial intelligence:
- Inter-species translation: uses machine learning to analyze thousands of hours of clicks and find patterns similar to human alphabets.
- Technological innovation: employs non-invasive listening devices and robotics to study whales in their natural environment.
Conservation and ecology
Cetaceans are considered biological indicators of the health of the oceans. Understanding their needs and language can improve marine conservation strategies.
The recording of the birth reveals an extreme level of social cooperation, where “aunts” and sisters help the calf survive, reinforcing the importance of protecting these complex societies.
Philosophical and cultural perspective
The CETI Project also challenges anthropocentrism, demonstrating that other species possess complex communication systems and their own cultures. This discovery fosters a deep empathy towards marine life, motivating society to protect the ecosystems we share.
The filming of a sperm whale birth represents a scientific and cultural milestone: it opens a window into the social world of whales, confirms extreme cooperation in critical moments, and reinforces the relevance of projects like CETI to understand and conserve marine life.
