Dolphins keep very tight knit interdependent relationships with members of their social group and intense strong family connections. They show empathy behaviours towards members of their group and even to other species, and show altruistic behaviours also. Mothers will protect their babies from predators and warn other members of their social groups of any danger. They will also care for each others’ offspring and assist pregnant females during birth. Mother dolphins have a gestation period of about twelve months and after birth, her baby will stay by her side lactating from her until dependent enough to go on without her.
Mother dolphin lifting her calf to the surface of the water
Dolphins will pass on cultural traditions from one generation to the next and includes teaching vocal knowledge, cooperative feeding and tool use. Female dolphins will often teach her daughter how to use sponges to protect their beaks when foraging for food.
Female dolphin using a sponge as a tool
This sponge protects their beaks from being injured
