A rare and emotional scene unfolded off the coast of Abu Dhabi when a dolphin was seen pushing the body of her dead calf through the waters of Al Dhafra, north of Salahah Island. The female Indian Ocean humpback dolphin appeared unable to let go, displaying a bond that mirrors the depth of grief often attributed only to humans.
According to Khaleej Times, the calf’s cause of death remains unclear. Authorities have long reminded residents to protect marine life, noting that Abu Dhabi is home to the largest population of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the world. These mammals are often spotted in shallow waters and channels surrounding offshore islands and the mainland.
The incident underscores how grief transcends species, with animals across the natural world showing visible signs of mourning — from withdrawing and refusing food to staying close to their deceased.
Abu Dhabi has designated marine reserves to safeguard habitats and curb human activity that could harm marine ecosystems. The heartbreaking encounter serves as a reminder of the fragile lives thriving beneath the Gulf’s waters and the responsibility to protect them.
