Whales are known for their intelligence, complex communication, and social behaviors. Recent research has shed light on a fascinating new aspect of their behavior: the creation of bubble rings. Scientists have documented humpback whales producing these rings during friendly encounters with humans, suggesting a form of playful interaction or communication.
Researchers from the SETI Institute and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) observed humpback whales creating bubble rings. These rings are distinct from the bubble nets used for hunting, appearing as spinning, donut-shaped formations rising from the depths. The study provides rare insights into nonhuman creativity.
The study recorded 39 bubble rings from 11 whales across 12 episodes. These observations occurred in various locations, including Hawai'i, the Dominican Republic, Mo'orea, and off the U.S. Atlantic coast. The whales often approached boats or swimmers before releasing the rings. In some instances, the whales seemed to focus their attention on nearby humans or vessels.
The whales showed no signs of aggression or fear. Instead, they appeared relaxed and moved slowly. In one instance, a whale made 11 rings in a single episode, suggesting intentional repetition. This behavior could be a form of play, communication, or simply curiosity.
The team suggests that humpbacks may be engaging in "play with a purpose." The team believes behaviors like ring-blowing may serve as training data to improve algorithms for decoding unknown signals. The researchers urge whale watchers, swimmers, and boaters to report such sightings. If whales try to communicate with us through bubble rings, even playfully, we should be listening.