One of the fantastic things about nature is seeing how animals live in harmony.

We are aware that some animals don’t get along, especially in the wild where it can be an endless chase between prey and predator.

Nature’s food chain has been ingrained in us so much so, that seeing other animals live harmoniously together still surprises us.

Like how a pod of dolphins came to the rescue of a humpback while.

Now, why would this surprise us?

Humpback whales are much bigger than dolphins; their average size is 49 feet compared to a dolphin, which is 8.5 feet.

But these gentle giants do not prey on dolphins nor attack them unless provoked or when they feel like they’re in danger.

Dolphins and humpback whales can and will protect each other when in danger.

Studies showed that humpback whales have this instinct to protect other animals underwater, especially killer whales or orcas.

This protectiveness stemmed from the fact that they can hear predators from afar better than other species, so they already have a warning of what’s to come.

It triggers their instinct to save their calves even if the predator is not after them.

Some predators may be after other animals in the water, such as bigger fish or dolphins.

Still, the humpback whale would protect them, especially since any predator after those animals could harm their young ones.

But in this case, the dolphins saved a mama and baby whale from male ones.

Whale Watch Western Australia was on their usual whale-watching trip when they witnessed an interesting encounter with these humpback whales and dolphins.

The scene was terrifying and fascinating, and the tourists on the boat couldn’t help but exclaim about what was going on.

Apparently, this female humpback whale was feeding her calf.

Spirit was nursing Sunny when male humpback whales approached them.

They were not there to harm them, but they wanted to mate with Spirit.

This would mean taking her away from Sunny and the danger of losing her calf, and her motherly instinct kicked in.

Spirit fought hard to protect little Sunny, but the male whales were persistent.

She swam as hard as she could, protecting her young one, but they were as agile and strong. She was also severely outnumbered.

Just as it seemed like all hope was lost, help came their way in the most unexpected way.

A pod of dolphins swam toward the mama and baby dolphin to protect them.

They swam towards Sunny and Spirit creating a form of protection from them.

At one point, the mother and baby whale went near the boat as the dolphins directed them there so they could take cover.

Soon enough, the male whales realized the dolphins were too strong, so they swam away.

Dolphins and whales are known to have human-like characteristics that explain this encounter.

According to a study by the University of Manchester, these two species have similar traits to humans.

Two of those are complex alliance relationships or working together for mutual benefit, and alloparenting or looking after each other’s youngsters even if they’re not their own.

Watch the fantastic save by the dolphins in the video below!

Source: Whale Watch Western Australia YouTube Channel, Live Science, National Geographic