NathanNature’s Caretakers
There have been many incidents where these whales have saved other animals from predators, mostly killer whales. For over 62 years, at least 115 of such incidents have been recorded. Once, Robert Pitman, who is a marine ecologist, reportedly saw a humpback deliberately lift a seal from the water to save it from a pack of killer whales. Impressive right?
Motivation Of The Killer
There have been many arguments regarding the motives of these whales on why they save lives. Fred Sharpe, who is a researcher at the Alaska Whale Foundation, had said in an interview back in August 2017, “[Humpbacks] are directing their behavior for the benefit of other species. But there’s no doubt there are important differences between human compassion and animal compassion.”
Compassion
“When a human protects an imperiled individual of another species, we call it compassion,” says Pitman, who works for the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He goes on saying, “If a humpback whale does so, we call it instinct. But sometimes the distinction isn’t all that clear.” So maybe they are just very compassionate animals that sadly cannot communicate and speak to us.
Whale’s Loving Intuition
This type of altruistic action can be seen in many notable workers like policemen and firefighters. The instinct that these whales have has been explained by the biologist, comparing it to firemen who are willing to rush into a house on fire to try and save strangers. Even these whales could end up getting hurt or injured when they try to save these other species but they do it anyways.
Tiger Shark Motives
Tiger sharks, on the other hand, can grow to be 25 feet long and can weigh almost a ton. They are often described as ruthless killers who love to feed on vulnerable prey. The only other shark that attacks more people than tiger sharks are the great whites. However, great whites usually leave their victims after injury but tiger sharks actually feed on them.
Threatening Waters
Tiger sharks are common in the Pacific islands, and they mostly eat seals, birds, turtles, fish, and dolphins. They usually hunt alone but when they are in a group, they sometimes attack humpback whales as well. But sadly, tiger sharks are slowly reaching the endangered species zone because of fishing and a high demand for its fins.