12.08.2018 – Hydrodynamic “humanoids”

Today we were able to enjoy some typical summer sightings with a variety of representatives of the Delphinid family including Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleolba), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Sightings with such an array of species is a stark reminder of how dolphins vary in their shape and size but also in their behavioral pattern. While every species displays its own characteristic behavior, each individual also has its own personality, a fact often neglected during behavioral observations.

Self-awareness has already been proven with Bottlenose dolphins and the fact that dolphins use signature whistles to identify themselves within their pod leaves little doubt that these animals posess a sense of self. Self-awareness is one of the most important requirements for personhood, instigating several discussions that stress that dolphins should be considered as non-human persons. The existence of such self-aware beings within social structures brings us to another point; amongst scientists, trainers and observers during whale-watching activities there is little doubt that dolphins nurture their social bonds in a sophisticated emotional manner. Several interactions amongst individuals in a pod are seemingly emotional in nature and leaves spectators pondering and empathising with their actions.

Empathy, however, is a two-sided coin. Subjective categorisation of animal behavior is a frequent phenomenon amongst people and is known as “anthropomorphism”. Humanising the behavior of animals may often lead to misunderstandings and such false interpretations have led to the captivity of many of these animals, which undoubtedly causes enormous stress for the them. This is why scientists strongly discourage this tendency.

There are, however, several behavioral patterns we can safely relate to such as the companionship amongst dolphins, the pod surrounding young calves to protect them from possible dangers or mothers tending to their calves. A similar behavior which has increasingly been observed amongst several cetaceans is grief. Unfortunately, our guides and guests yesterday witnessed a Short-finned pilot whale mother carrying her deceased calf while the rest of the pod sheltered them. This sobering sighting was not witnessed within the Pilot whale group today but the possibility of such a sad encounter in the next days is possible as cetaceans often grieve for days.

So while at times our empathy may be misleading or even harmful for the animals, there are situations where it is exactly the right response. Our philosophy at Lobosonda bids us to approach all marine animals we encounter with respect and humility. Apart from the fact that we shouldn’t treat the ocean like our playground, this philosophy also rests on the fact that cetaceans are emotionally sophisticated animals that deserve all the respect we have.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Striped dolphins

Stenella

09:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

12:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales