Underwater observations of dolphin reactions to a distressed conspecific

Abstract

This report describes the epimeletic (or Bcaregiving^) behavior produced by members of a group of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the possible role of the ailing animal's distress call in eliciting such behavior. Epimeletic behavior in cetaceans most typically involves forms of support provided to a distressed, injured, or dying animal (Caldwell & Caldwell, 1966). Analyses of underwater video and corresponding acoustic recordings revealed a distressed dolphin (the DD) that frequently produced what are most likely distress calls, often paired with the emission of long bubble streams. The frequency of her whistle production was positively correlated with the frequency of the supporting behaviors the DD received from other dolphins. These helping behaviors included raft formations, lifts, and stimulating pushes that were predominantly directed toward the upper third of the DD's body, all of which appeared to be directed towards bringing the DD toward the surface so that she could breathe. This is the first documented underwater account of multiple wild bottlenose dolphins providing epimeletic care to a distressed conspecific, and highlights the possible role of distress calls in such scenarios.

The comparative study of empathy: sympathetic concern and empathic perspective‐taking in non‐human animals

“…√ Caldwell & Caldwell (), Connor & Norris (), Siebenaler & Caldwell (), Warren‐ Smith & Dunn (), Kuczaj et al . (), Lilly () and Hooper ()…”

“…The group supported the female by forming a sort of raft, swimming while carrying her on their backs. Kuczaj et al (2015) described a similar incident in bottlenose dolphins where helping behaviours towards a distressed female included raft formation, lifts, and stimulating pushes. These behaviours seemed to be directed towards bringing the dolphin to the surface to breathe and appeared to stimulate it to move.…”

“…Kuczaj et al . () reported that several dolphins stayed near a distressed female, taking turns to assist it, swimming slowly and, on several occasions, circling or milling. These responses suggest that the observers were not over‐aroused due to emotional contagion.…”

“…Cetaceans are candidates for exhibiting empathic targeted helping not only because they are endowed with complex cognitive abilities (Delfour & Marten, 2001;Reiss & Marino, 2001;Xitco, Gory & Kuczaj, 2001;Herman, 2002;Pack & Herman, 2006;Marino et al, 2007) but also because they engage in several cooperative activities (Marino et al, 2007;Kuczaj et al, 2015). Indeed, descriptions of helping behaviour in cetaceans are common (Siebenaler & Caldwell, 1956;Caldwell & Caldwell, 1966;Connor & Norris, 1982;Kuczaj et al, 2001).…”

“…However, some surfacing behaviours, and bubble and swimming patterns like circling or milling seem to signal stress or excitement in these animals and, in some of the reports cited above, these behaviours were observed. Kuczaj et al (2015) reported that several dolphins stayed near a distressed female, taking turns to assist it, swimming slowly and, on several occasions, circling or milling. These responses suggest that the observers were not over-aroused due to emotional contagion.…”