Scientists observed how an adult female killer whale swims and takes care of a pilot whale (or black dolphin) calf. An article about this was published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology.
Killer whales are easily recognized by their bright white markings on black skin. They are the largest of the oceanic dolphins. The second largest are pilot whales, which are slightly smaller than killer whales but still much larger than “regular” dolphins. Both species are carnivores and both have a wide range. In a new article, zoologists describe their observations of a pilot whale calf traveling with a group of killer whales.
Not only did the calf travel with a small group of killer whales, but one of the adult females took care of it, according to scientists. This care was expressed by the killer whale allowing the cub to swim just behind the pectoral fin. In this position, the little dolphin can take advantage of the pressure wave created by the adult to move at the same speed with much less effort. Also, the adult female provided protection but was unable to feed the cubs as she lacked milk.
According to scientists, the pilot whale calf was either separated from its herd for unknown reasons and was found by a killer whale or was stolen from its original mother.