In times where the world appears tainted with austerity and aloofness, it is often in the heart of the animal kingdom that we discover powerful episodes of empathy and intellect.
We, humans, can definitely siphon invaluable wisdom from the cunning and compassion exhibited by the fauna surrounding us. Let’s zoom in on dolphins – such phenomenal creatures, armed with intellect and sensitivity. Aren’t we intrigued by their ability to sense distress in a loved one, announce imminent dangers and locate resources for their comrades?
Flinders Bay, Australia, was witness to a poignant show of care by dolphins towards other marine animals about half a decade ago. A female humpback whale known as “Spirit” and her calf came face to face with a dangerous plight, was captured by Whale Watch Western Australia on camera.
Attacks on female whales and their offspring by male counterparts, a harsh reality of nature, were also observed. The brutal intention is to eliminate the calf so that the female is ready for mating. This dire event unfolded off the coastline of Western Australia a few years back.
Spirit, the mother whale, comprehended the grim reality and did all in her power to evade the attack. She defended her calf against the impending danger, reflecting the universal instinct of maternal protection. Despite her efforts, resisting such an onslaught, especially from five aggressive males, was indeed a herculean task.
While spectators on the Whale Watch boat could do nothing but witness this violent episode, the situation soon took a surprising turn. Unexpected saviours swam to the scene and began untiringly to form a barrier around the distressed mother and her calf.
The proactive group of dolphins sensed the unfolding danger and sprang into action, keeping the predatory males at bay. Remarkably, few of the brave dolphins went to the extent of displaying their teeth as a warning sign to the offenders.
This extraordinary intervention was captured on film. Furthermore, Spirit seemed to seek refuge close to the boat, as if anticipating protection from the human spectators as well. Then, another wave of surprise washed over the scene. One male whale broke away from the pack, chased away the others, and swam alongside Spirit, seemingly guarding her. This breathtakin spectacle proved to be an unforgettable encounter with Mother Nature’s unanticipated acts.
Dolphins, owing to their impressive problem-solving skills, high emotional intelligence, and stellar communication abilities, are often hailed as the second most intelligent beings after humans. Their history of human rescues serves as testament to this claim.
A case in point is an incident off the coast of Ireland. A group of dolphins facilitated the discovery of a missing swimmer amidst the sea, thereby alerting the rescue teams who were searching for him.
The volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, an establishment operating across the UK, claimed their successful rescue mission was majorly owed to the dolphin pod. Noticing the cluster of dolphins drew the crew’s attention towards the distressed swimmer.
In this particular encounter, the dolphins seemed to circle around the missing man, almost as if to signal his location to the rescue team. The story could have taken a tragic turn had the dolphins not been there, their presence proved pivotal in spotting the lost individual. “The casualty was conscious and immediately recovered onto the lifeboat and was taken to hospital,” cited the RNLI, as reported by BBC.
The man had been lost at sea for twelve weary hours and was at the end of his tether. It is a profoundly nerve-racking scenario to imagine, had he not been located when he was. While it remains uncertain whether the dolphins’ actions were driven by curiosity or conscious efforts to alert the rescue team, their engagement contributed massively to his survival.
Given the unparalleled intelligence and sensitivity of dolphins, it isn’t an overstatement to speculate that their actions were calculated and deliberate. Regardless of their intentions, the lost man owes his life to their intervention.
Dolphins, with their astounding intellect and altruistic demeanour, are truly spectacular beings. Their role in these tales of survival amplifies their extraordinary nature and ability to work miracles in dire straits.
