18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Socialisation

Picture taken under research permit aiming at identifying the animals and recording their behaviour. In this picture, 4 youngsters are socialising. Socialisation is a bonding activity where the animals rub against each other and sometimes gently bite each other. When socialising, males often have their penis out, as shown on the picture. Sperm whales are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN red list

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Mauritius
Copyright: © vanessa Mignon