Scientists capture rare footage of humpback whale mother carrying stillborn calf

Scientists have recorded rare footage of a humpback whale mother showing behavior that looks like grief after giving birth to a stillborn calf. Researchers captured the heartbreaking moment on video, marking the first time this kind of interaction has been documented on camera. The mother whale stayed close to the dead calf, supporting it near the water surface and refusing to leave it behind. Experts note that seeing such a reaction is extremely rare in the wild. News outlets and science platforms report that the footage highlights deep emotional responses in marine mammals, echoing similar findings previously studied by researchers observing whale behavior across the oceans.