Humpback Whales Use Bubble Rings for Playful Communication with Humans

In a remarkable display of interspecies interaction, researchers from the SETI Institute and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have documented humpback whales creating bubble rings during encounters with humans. This unprecedented behavior, observed in various locations including Hawai'i, the Dominican Republic, and off the U.S. Atlantic coast, suggests a potential form of playfulness or curiosity rather than mere feeding or mating behavior.

The study, conducted by Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute and his colleagues, recorded 39 instances of bubble ring blowing from 11 different humpback whales across 12 episodes. These bubble rings, which resemble spinning smoke donuts, differ significantly from the bubble nets that whales typically use for hunting. Instead, these displays were characterized by a relaxed demeanor, with whales often approaching boats or swimmers before producing the rings.

Dr. Fred Sharpe, co-lead author of the study, stated, "Humpback whales live in complex societies and exhibit diverse acoustical behaviors. Our findings suggest that bubble rings may serve as a playful signal directed towards humans, reflecting their inquisitive nature."

The research team noted that the whales displayed no signs of aggression or fear during these interactions. Instead, they lingered after creating bubble rings, seemingly observing human reactions. One whale was recorded making as many as 11 rings in a single encounter, indicating intentional repetition. This behavior was not observed when whales were not in the presence of humans, suggesting a specific targeting of human observers.

The implications of this study extend beyond mere curiosity. As Dr. Jodi Frediani, another co-author, pointed out, "By documenting these behaviors, we may gain insights into the cognitive processes of nonhuman animals and enhance our understanding of animal intelligence. Recognizing play in cetaceans could inform our approaches to communication and signal interpretation in other species."

Previously, bubble rings had been observed in dolphins and beluga whales, but this marks the first well-documented case of such behavior in baleen whales. The significance of this finding lies in its potential to reshape perceptions of whale intelligence and social behavior.

The researchers also emphasized the importance of citizen science in furthering this field of study. They encourage whale watchers, boaters, and swimmers to report sightings of bubble ring production, including details on the whale's behavior and location. Contributions from the public will help build a comprehensive database that could reveal more about these complex marine mammals.

The study, titled "Bubble Ring Production by Humpback Whales: Insights into Nonhuman Creativity and Communication," was published in the journal Marine Mammal Science in June 2025. This groundbreaking research not only highlights the playful nature of humpback whales but also poses intriguing questions about their ability to communicate, potentially offering a glimpse into their social interactions and cognitive abilities.