A new study seems to suggest that humpback whales act altruistically, as they put themselves potentially in harm’s way in order to save other individuals from attacking orcas. Perhaps the most striking feature of this behavior is that humpbacks come to the aid of entirely different species.

Back in 2009, marine ecologist Robert Pitman, who conducted the study, witnessed one of these intriguing encounters. A humpback whale intruded into a group of orca whales hunting a Weddell seal. The Mother Nature Network describes the encounter, “In order to better protect the seal, the whale placed [him] safely on [her] upturned belly to keep [him] out of the water. As the seal slipped down the whale’s side, the humpback appeared to use [her] flippers to carefully help the seal back aboard. Finally, when the coast was clear, the seal was able to safely swim off to another, more secure ice floe.”

As incredible as this may seem, this behavior turns out to be rather common. After witnessing the event, Pitman began searching for stories of these types of encounters, ultimately coming up with a total of 115 documented interactions between the years of 1951 and 2012.

Many theories have been put forward as to why the humpbacks would confront orcas in this way, since doing so has no clear evolutionary benefit for them, and the humpbacks are putting their own safety at risk. Some believe it could be a way for the humpbacks to send a message to the orcas, encouraging them not to attack their own young. Others speculate whether it could be motivated by revenge, as orcas often kill infant humpbacks.

Perhaps the simplest explanation comes from examining our own human experience. If you saw someone in need regardless of species, who was scared and suffering, and you know you could help out – what would you do? Acting altruistically might be a big part of the humpbacks’ motivation.

While we still do not know the reasons for the humpbacks rescuing other species, it does paint an increasingly interesting image of these gentle giants of the sea.

Discover more about cetaceans through our 10 Worst Tanks list: www.idausa.org/10WorstTanks