{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmsfduvm80004fugvkya0xn6p","slug":"when-dolphins-carry-their-young-care-cost-and-ques-20260805","title":"When Dolphins Carry Their Young: Care, Cost, and Questions","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-08-05T01:03:03.595Z"},"topic":{"slug":"when-dolphins-carry-their-young-care-cost-and-ques-20260805","category":"science"},"article":{"paragraphs":["Scientists have long documented that dolphins sometimes carry dead calves. Researchers have recorded instances in many regions and in several species, and herds often respond around the dead young. Although a dead calf cannot swim, the adult may keep it afloat and hold it at the surface. This action is part of epimeletic behaviour, a term used by researchers for caregiving toward sick or dead individuals.","Since mothers most often take the lead, observers describe female-led care and frequent escorting by other dolphins. While the exact emotional state of dolphins is unknown, experts have noted that the behaviour can resemble mourning and prolonged attention. Studies published in scientific journals report that cetaceans show lifting, carrying, and close contact with dead calves, and these actions have been observed for hours or days. Therefore, scientists continue to collect reports and acoustic recordings to learn more."],"wordCount":143,"readTime":1},"vocabulary":[{"word":"escort","example":"Other dolphins sometimes escort the mother and calf.","phonetic":"/ɪˈskɔːrt/","definition":"to go with and accompany another"},{"word":"cetacean","example":"Many cetacean species have shown attentive behaviour to the dead.","phonetic":"/sɪˈteɪ.ʃən/","definition":"a marine mammal such as a whale, dolphin, or porpoise"},{"word":"prolonged","example":"Prolonged carrying can last for hours or days.","phonetic":"/prəˈlɒŋd/","definition":"continuing for a long time"},{"word":"acoustic","example":"Researchers record acoustic data during sightings.","phonetic":"/əˈkuːstɪk/","definition":"related to sound"}],"quiz":[{"answer":"epimeletic behaviour","question":"What term is used for caregiving toward sick or dead individuals?"},{"answer":"mothers","question":"Who most often takes the lead?"},{"answer":"for hours or days","question":"How long have these actions been observed?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you think animals feel grief? Why or why not?"},{"question":"Have you ever stayed with a pet or animal that was dying? What did you do?"},{"question":"What actions by a group make you think they are caring for one another?"},{"question":"Would you like to watch wildlife videos to learn more about animal behaviour? Why?"}]}