Dolphins Mourn Dead Calves in Heartbreaking 'Funeral Ritual' Off Jeju Coast

Off the coast of Jeju Island, a poignant scene unfolded as two mother Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins were spotted carrying their deceased calves. The mothers were observed holding the dead young in their mouths, repeatedly bringing them to the surface in what experts interpret as a "funeral ritual." This behavior is attributed to the dolphins' need to breathe air, as they instinctively try to keep their calves afloat. The calves appeared lifeless, showing signs of decomposition suggesting they had been dead for several days. The exact cause of their deaths remains undetermined, as external injuries like those from fishing gear or marine debris were not found. Experts note that determining the cause is difficult because mothers often keep deceased calves with them, preventing proper examination. This year alone, four calf deaths have been confirmed in the waters around Jeju, following 3 cases in 2023 and 9 in 2024. The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, with an estimated population of around 120 in Jeju's waters, is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Researchers are continuing to monitor the dolphin population and the causes of these tragic deaths.

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The calves are dead, but the mothers keep pushing them up to the surface to breathe.