Sea creature seen engaging in heartbreaking ritual off SC island, experts say
Two dolphins seen struggling together in waters off South Carolina are engaged in a tragic ritual of parenting gone wrong, according to experts.
The larger dolphin is — or was — a new mother, and the smaller dolphin is her dead calf, the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network reported in an April 13 Facebook post.
'We are aware of a dolphin pushing her (deceased) calf near Seabrook,' the network says.
'We won't intervene while mom is grieving with it. If you spot her, please keep your distance to not add any undue stress.'
Instances of dolphins carrying their stillborn young have been reported in waters around the world and it is believed to be an example of 'strong maternal instincts,' according to the Florida-based Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project.
'Grief is a strong, overwhelming emotion – a natural response to losing someone, or something important. And grief takes time,' the project reports. 'The consensus amongst medical experts is that one in the process of grieving be given time and space to adjust to, and cope with their loss. For sentient beings such as dolphins and other whales, the same would appear to apply.'
The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network says the bottlenose dolphin was reported by St. Johns Kayak & Boats Tours, a company that offers 'dolphin encounters' in waters between Kiawah and Seabrook islands south of Charleston.
The network's April 13 post had amassed more than 3,300 reactions and comments as of April 14, with some calling the dolphin's act 'sad, but beautiful.'
'This is heartbreaking,' Tonya Wallace McGraw posted on the network's Facebook page.
'She is grieving just like a human would.. she doesn't want to let go,' Melissa Mitchum wrote.
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