Scientists Witness Act Of Altruism By Male Elephant Seal For The First Time
February 10, 2024
Today’s good news story comes from Point Reyes National Seashore, California.
In a rare and extraordinary display of altruism, an adult male northern elephant seal at Point Reyes National Seashore in California was observed coming to the rescue of a distressed young pup, according to a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science.
By “Mike” Michael L. Baird, CC BY 2.0 (source)
The remarkable incident was documented by scientists Sarah G. Allen and Matthew J. Lau, who were conducting surveys of seals in the area. The scientists witnessed a female and her pup being separated by tidal wash and waves at Drakes Bay. The pup, less than two weeks old, was at risk of being swept away by the undertow.
The female desperately called out to her stranded pup, unable to pursue it as the waves drew the young seal further from the shore. It was then that the unexpected hero of the story emerged – an alpha male elephant seal from a nearby harem.
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