Female dolphin unable to part with her dead calf for several days

A female dolphin was filmed in the Indian Ocean carrying the body of her deceased calf for six days.

Rodney Peterson, 53, director of the marine research organization Geographe Marine Research, explained that the dolphin—named Fraggle—had given birth to the calf in winter. It is believed the calf died due to breathing difficulties exacerbated by the cold temperatures.

"Dolphins are actually very emotional creatures and love their offspring... They truly view them as little children and can refuse food for a whole week out of grief," Peterson explained. The grieving mother could not bring herself to part with her dead calf for six days; her grief was captured on video.

Throughout this time, her entire pod of 14 dolphins stayed with her. Such behavior is rare; usually, other dolphins simply observe the situation rather than joining in.

According to Peterson, Fraggle has already lost four calves.