Sick whales receive more social support
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Researchers in Canada have discovered that northern bottlenose whales increase social connections when they are in poor health.
For nearly four decades, a team from Dalhousie University and Princeton University tracked a population of these whales, a species of beaked whale that lives in the North Atlantic, by photographing them as they surfaced. They identified individual whales by markings on their fins and noted their body condition, categorising around 11 percent as emaciated at any given time.
The team found that whales in poor condition actually had more social partners and spent time in larger groups than healthier whales. Sam Walmsley at Princeton University initially expected to find the opposite, believing sick whales would prioritise foraging over socialising. However, the data suggests the whales may actively seek support from others, or that the group rallies around individuals in need. Historical accounts from 19th-century whalers support this behaviour.
In 1882, whaling steamer commander David Gray observed that northern bottlenose whales remained with injured companions “so long as it is alive,” gathering from all directions. While proving caregiving in these marine mammals is difficult, this finding aligns with observations of other whale species, like humpbacks, who cooperate during times of stress. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the link between social connection and health across mammal species, including humans.
