Dolphins and whales engage in surprising playful interactions, research reveals

In a groundbreaking research, Dr. Olaf Meynecke and his team at Griffith University in Australia have shed light on the playful interactions between dolphins and whales. The study, which analysed hundreds of photographs and videos of interactions between 19 species in 17 locations worldwide, offers a fascinating insight into the complexity of these marine relationships.

The team found that grey whales accounted for 16% of interactions and fin whales 7%, with humpback whales making up over two-thirds of sightings among six baleen species. Surprisingly, humpback whales responded positively to dolphin interactions about one-third of the time, often rolling from side to side, undertaking belly presentation, and other behaviours associated with courtship or friendly socializing.

However, the findings also revealed that some whales reacted less warmly to dolphin interactions. Yet, the researchers believe that these moments may serve as "down-time" for large, intelligent marine animals. Intriguingly, some instances of whale-dolphin interactions involved head or tail slapping, behaviours considered aggressive in some cases.

One-sided play was observed in some cases, where only one species perceived the interaction as playful, often dolphins teasing or harassing whales during feeding events. The different behaviour categories extracted from the data suggest that there is much to learn and study in the future.

The study also underlines the rarity of interspecies social play (ISP) in marine environments due to distance, remoteness, and inaccessibility. Researchers documented instances of bow riding by dolphins and close touches as particularly intriguing, offering a glimpse into the cooperative and friendly nature of these interactions.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, China is set to debut its 80,000-ton Fujian carrier on Victory Day, symbolising a show of power. However, the findings of this study serve as a reminder that the ocean's largest inhabitants are not just formidable, but also capable of complex and playful interactions that are yet to be fully understood. The study opens the door for more research, inviting us to delve deeper into the mysterious world of whales and dolphins.