Research published on September 17, 2026, in an Australian scientific journal suggests that humpback whales may exhibit behaviors that resemble mourning. The study, conducted by a team of marine biologists, analyzed patterns of vocalization and movement among groups of humpback whales following the death of an individual. The researchers observed that the whales spent more time near the deceased and produced unusual calls that differed from their typical communication patterns. Humpback whales are known for their complex social behaviors, including singing elaborate songs that are believed to play a role in mating and communication. However, this study suggests that these whales may also engage in behaviors that indicate an emotional response to the loss of a group member. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that some non-human animals may experience emotions similar to those observed in humans, such as grief. The study involved the use of underwater microphones and drones to monitor the whales’ behavior over several weeks. Researchers noted that the behavior of the group changed significantly after the death of one whale, with some individuals displaying what appeared to be prolonged vocalizations and slow, deliberate movements near the body. These observations were compared to the whales’ usual behavior, which does not typically involve such prolonged interaction with a deceased individual. While the study does not prove that humpback whales experience mourning in the same way humans do, it provides compelling evidence that their behavior may reflect a form of emotional response. Scientists emphasize that further research is needed to fully understand the nature of these behaviors and whether they are a sign of complex emotional processing in these marine mammals.