Heartbreaking video shows Dolphin carrying dead calf

Australia: A poignant video showing a mother dolphin carrying the body of her dead calf has gone viral, leaving viewers around the world deeply moved.

The footage, captured off the Australian coast, shows the female dolphin swimming with her deceased calf while several other dolphins appear to remain close by, a behavior researchers say is often associated with mourning.

In a social media post, the charity group Geographe Marine Research identified the dolphin as "Friggle," explaining that she had given birth to the calf approximately two weeks before the video was recorded.

According to the organisation, the footage was taken last month.

Friggle had reportedly lost four previous calves, and researchers believe the newborn's chances of survival were reduced because it was born during the winter season.

Geographe Marine Research said that dolphins are known to carry their dead calves for several days as part of what scientists describe as mourning behavior.

However, the mother eventually has to let go in order to resume feeding and ensure her own survival, adding that Friggle is likely approaching that stage.