On March 15th, our team experienced an exceptional encounter in the Gulf of California: a group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacting with a newborn pilot whale (Globicephala). After reviewing the images from this unexpected encounter, our initial hypothesis was called into question. At first, we considered the possibility that it was a hybrid, an adoption, and then even a "kidnapping." Upon closely analyzing the images, we observed that a bottlenose dolphin was exhibiting behavior similar to that of a mother caring for its calf, but then we noticed that some juvenile male bottlenose dolphins displayed dominance behaviors, such as showing their genitals, and participated in play or even exhibited signs of harassment at certain moments.

Different dolphin species interact with each other in various ways according to their unique cultures. They can form peaceful cooperative associations with varying levels of stability and even care for the calves of other species. They can also establish sporadic or opportunistic associations, and they may intimidate, sexually assault, or kill smaller or weaker species. However, they sometimes rescue dolphins from other species in dangerous situations.

We love spending time in these waters as each day is different, and we learn more about nature and its species.

Regina Domingo