“No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted.”
Aesop
“If we all do one random act of kindness daily,
we just might set the world in the right direction.”
Martin Kornfeld
“Comptine d’un autre été – l’après-midi” (Rhyme of another summer – the afternoon) by Yann Tiersen:
Some years ago I watched three times Tom Mustill’s extraordinary documentary on BBC4 about humpback whales living close to the Californian coastline, in Monterey Bay. To watch this giant mammal, over 30 tonnes in weight, propelled by its massive tail to soar upright into the air and then do a turn before splashing back into the ocean, is the most breathtaking spectacle you could ever hope to see.
It seems that anyone who watched this detective story about understanding more about the lives and actions of those unique creatures was deeply affected. The featured scientists, divers and photographers have all dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting these special giants of the ocean. India Bourke, an environment writer at the New Statesman, wrote: “One can only hope that if it comes to saving other species, humanity becomes a lot more whale – and fast.” After watching the footage of humpback whales saving other animals and us from predators, I wholeheartedly agree.
A clip from Our Planet showing these beautiful creatures in action:
A clip from Planet Earth Live showing humpback whales’ attempt to save grey whales from attack by killer whales
What fascinated the scientists, in particular, was the indisputable fact that humpback whales intervene on behalf of hunted creatures, seals, dolphins, sunfish or even humans. There are over one hundred documented cases of these acts by humpback whales, that clearly aim to improve the welfare of others; an established notion of altruism.
One scientist, a woman biologist, admitted that if it hadn’t happened to her, she would have not believed the story of being saved by a humpback whale. She was filming the humpback whales of the Cook Islands when one came close to her and started pushing her away and towards her boat. Unable to resist the powerful creature (they are 500 times the human size), and dismayed by its action, she held on for safety to the whale’s huge fin, and as her camera was working, we could see the close up of the whale’s face and its eye, intelligent and focused, looking at the biologist. It was only when the whale got her close to the boat that the scientist noticed a shark that was being kept away from her. She reached the boat while the humpback whale swam close behind her, making sure that she was safe. Filmed by the crew of the boat from their side, we can see the whale looking while the biologist scrambled on board. She then waved and called out to the waiting humpback whale: ‘I love you too! I love you!’ I am not sure, but I have a feeling that I called the same to the TV screen.
Another witness described seeing and recording on his mobile phone, a group of killer whales washing off an ice floe a seal that was resting on it. As the seal fell into the water, a few humpback whales broke the surface of the water and surrounded the seal. One scooped the seal in his fins and held it to his chest. The observers noticed that when the seal started at some point sliding down, the whale put the seal back high on his chest. The humpback whales waited until the killer whales got bored and departed, and only then let go of the seal, who swam back to the safety of the ice floe. There are now 115 recorded similar cases of humpback whales and they provide indisputable proof that humpback whales are altruistic. As we know very little about these mysterious creatures, researchers are working on many questions; from how long do they live to why do they rise in the air in ‘breach’, and why do they save humans, after more than 2 million whales were killed in the last century before the law of protection was introduced? Why?
A few years ago in India, in the city of Kanpur, a crowd of commuters witnessed something extraordinary happening. A monkey walking on the overhead high-tension cables got electrocuted and fell down onto the railway track, and was lying unconscious. Another monkey jumped onto the track and started resuscitating his friend by shaking and slapping the unresponsive animal. As nothing seemed to work, he even dunked the victim in cold water that was in a container by the rail track. More slapping and shaking followed, and after more water treatment, finally after 20 minutes of hard work, the by then bedraggled monkey opened his eyes. He was hauled to a safe place off the rails, just as a train pulled into the station. The cheering crowd then watched the survivor even being groomed by his heroic friend. We could all do with a friend like that, couldn’t we?
A clip of this amazing rescue:
“You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King:
It has been documented time and time again that animal empathy transcends the barriers that divide the species. Altruism among animals is a fact.
During World War II, a small, malnourished bear cub was sold by a young boy to a Polish regiment of soldiers travelling through Iraq (Persia). The soldiers knew that his fate would be dreadful, if not rescued, as the cub would be trained in a barbaric way to become a dancing bear. If he was lucky he would die young. The soldiers bought him for a few bits and pieces and a large tin of bully beef. Wojtek, as they called him, was to become their link with normality, and was loved, without exception, by everyone in the regiment. After months of travelling he grew to be a handsome creature, thriving on diluted condensed milk and apples. He loved his saviours as much as they loved him. When the regiment arrived at Monte Cassino, in Italy, the soldiers were preparing to storm the fortress that the Germans had three times repelled. In the difficult mountain terrain the soldiers started to frantically unload and move into the right position heavy boxes of artillery shells. To their amazement, Wojtek stood upright and extended his paws, indicating that he wanted to move the boxes and help his comrades. He was never trained to handle 100-pound boxes, but observant and intelligent, he instantly realised what the men were doing. Effortlessly he carried the boxes to the artillery position, returning several times to the army lorries to collect more. Monte Cassino was taken by this Polish regiment and this battle became a legend. The bear became even ‘a fully enlisted soldier’. After the end of the war, the regiment and Wojtek settled in Scotland.
His story has been told in several books and he has a statue. Aileen Orr wrote her beautiful, touching book ‘Wojtek the Bear’: “His first glimpse of Scotland was Glasgow; thousands of Glaswegians lined the streets to cheer him and his Polish regiment as they marched through the city. In the grey age of post-war austerity, he must have been a considerable spectacle. His story was known to the populace and he was regarded as a war hero, so the welcome was genuine and heartfelt. The bear revelled in it.”
In Dijon, France, lives an amazing stallion, called Peyo. Twice a month he visits a hospital and a care home to see the most sick and vulnerable patients. It is Peyo who chooses whom he will see that day, and with a remarkable sixth sense he always enters the rooms of those who need him most. It is spellbinding to watch the transformation in the sick or elderly, who snuggle up to Peyo’s face and gaze into his eyes; the spiritual connection is there, even though we don’t quite understand how or why he has such a gift. Even a dying young man who had given up on the world and withdrew into himself, unresponsive to medical staff, came back to life and was changed when Peyo touched his face and gazed into his eyes. As the commentator remarked – some things are best left unanswered, and we have to accept that not everything has an explanation. At least, not yet.
The wonderful Peyo at work:
For some moments of reflection, the cathartic Eclogue for Piano and Strings Op. 10 by Gerald Finzi:
Being passionate about nature isn’t a one-way only commitment to help wildlife and the environment using our knowledge and skills. By observing nature closely it is obvious that animals and plants respond to our care by showing their appreciation in many ways. I would even dare to suggest that by following the mantra of our pets, wild animals in need and plants, we could aspire to be better humans. What mantra? It is: “I aim to please.” The enthusiastic greetings of our dogs when we are back home, cats rolling tummy up to make us laugh, the gratitude of those wild animals that have been saved from cruel treatment or illness, and the flourishing of well-cared-for plants and trees, prove that the environment reciprocates our efforts. This fact was noticed in ancient times – Egyptians referred to birds as highly valued friends, and Aesop recounts a story of a lion with a thorn in his paw being helped by a mouse who removed the thorn because the lion hadn’t squashed her on a previous occasional encounter.
It takes so little effort to please others, so little trouble to make someone happy. In one of his famous classic films, Cary Grant remarked: “If only we could be more like humans, we would create Heaven right here on Earth.” My and all the animals in my wildlife garden’s sentiments exactly.
And the heavenly sounds of Bach’s Air on the G string are a fitting conclusion to this post.
PS Here is an interesting book for those who want to know more about these wonderful animals:
naturetails 
Your post created a world I did not want to leave. It was so inspiring and magnificent to read about animal after animal that saved others (including humans). I had a friend who had a dog. When I would stop by to visit in the morning, if the door was locked, the dog would fetch her owner to let me in. (I know the dog did it because, the end result was a treat for the dog,) but this was a dog that nobody thought was very smart,yet she figured out a Lassie level behavior on her own. I look forward to learning more about animal compassion.
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Thank you, Dear Pat, for such a wonderful comments. As always, there is not enough space in one post to include all amazing cases. The important thing is to know that animals have the feelings just like ours, and we are all connected and a part of the same world.
Thank you, Pat, again , and your additional tale about the clever dog is greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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i am thrilled & touched by this beautiful post❤️🦋🌺🦋❤️the heart resonates to it as if to a moving musical symphony. i love the way you think, Gaby🙏🏼so kind & inclusive! thanks for sharing your vision🙏🏼❤️
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I need to check out that book you have listed. Great post!
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Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, and the extraordinary presentation!
The credit for the post has to go to the animals as their tales are so fascinating.
Thank you for your kind words, they are greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Thank you again, Pat, and the book, or rather a few of them about this bear, are all great!
Joanna
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🙏🏼🌹🪷🌹🙏🏼
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Thank you so much again!
Joanna
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Oh wow Joanna. First of all, you opened this post with the perfect segue:
“No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted.”
Aesop
You know, I never knew what a blessing and protector the humpback whale served by intervening on behalf of hunted creatures, seals, dolphins, sunfish or even humans, as you mentioned. What a detailed presentation and introduction to these amazing creatures. I love your choices of music to accompany your report too. Another fabulous post my friend. 🤗💖😘🙏🏽🥰
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Thank you, Kym, for your beautiful comments! I thought that their stories just had to be told. I am so happy, Kym, that you liked everything! Thank you, Kym, again, and your kind words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna x
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Joanna, a heartwarming and inspiring post! I enjoyed it immensely! ❤ ❤ ❤
I wonder if monkeys could learn CPR? That story was amazing!
Why do humpback whales protect seals? There seems to be nothing in it for them except the satisfaction of doing a good deed.
There was a similar question to one I had asked myself. Why did the humpback whales befriend humans after humans had killed so many of them?
When my daughters and I went swimming with manatees, I had the experience of being face-to-face with a manatee who seemed to be worried about me. It had caused me to lose my balance by brushing up against me as I entered the water. Its eyes were so very kind and concerned. I was in awe that manatees still seek out humans as playmates after years of injuries from boat propellers. Maybe they can perceive human intent. They are such friendly and affectionate creatures!
Thank you so much, Joanna, for this lovely post!
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Thank you, Cheryl, for such a beautiful comments! I think, the reason could be that they are altruistic, and in their thinking well above our norm. There are so many cases of animals doing extraordinary things but not enough space in one blog, I will have to come back to this topic.
Thank you, Cheryl, for your fascinating addition, and your thoughts, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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A lovely piece, Joanna.You know, of course, that I share your feelings about animals, plants, the Natural world. I did not know about Wojtek. What a wonderful and amazing story. The story about the monkeys I also did not know. How incredible that the injured one was resuscitated! I have seen film of Peyo before. I would love to know how his keeper discovered this special quality in the horse. I think that man is special also. There are so many stories of animals of all kinds and the people who are touched by them, in their heart, I mean. People who cannot relate to other people are able to make a connection with animals. It is not something that can be explained in our terms, no matter how hard we may try. I think when we witness it we must simply feel blessed. Thank you for an uplifting and touching post. I have noted the book and will get a copy.
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! I thought that you will like this post because it brings the proof that animals have the same feelings as we have.
There are so many extraordinary animal stories about altruism that I will have to write more about this fascinating topic.
Thank you, Carolyn, again, your thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Oh my dear Joanna, it’s my pleasure. You can tell how your attention to detail was embedded with dedication to telling the story right. I am so impressed by the amazing job you did my friend. Thank you too Joanna! 🥰🙏🏽😍💐😘
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Certainly! Altruism in animals is a testament to the beauty of nature’s compassion. It’s the selfless acts of kindness, altruism transcends survival instincts, revealing the profound interconnectedness of life. These acts of loving animals remind us that empathy and care are not solely human qualities but resonate throughout the animal world, painting a breathtaking portrait of solidarity and altruism in the wild.
What a wonderful post Joanna, it’s soo touching. It’s truly a delightful treat to read you as always. Enjoyed the musical videos as usual. Especially the “Wojtek the bear” and Peyo’s, how loving and kind. Loves for being such an amazing person you are. So kind, every post you write is a reflection and testament for sure. 👌👌👌❤🧡💛💚💙💜
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Thank you, Suma, for your wonderful comments! We share so much with animals because we are all connected. There are so many cases about animals altruism that I will have to write another post sometime.
Thank you, Suma, again for your kind words and all the hearts, very much appreciated!
Joanna x
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Many thanks again, Kym!
Joanna x
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This is just wonderful Joanna. I don’t know how you do it, but you just seem to get better and better with each post. I loved this one from start to finish. Some of the videos are quite unbelievable – and so are you.
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Thank you, Malc, for your unbelievable and wonderful comments! If you carry on with such a praise, Malc, my head will not fit in my doorway!
As I always stress, my posts are likable because I write about things I love, be it books,
writers, events or nature.
Thank you, Malc, again, your very kind words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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LOL. I mean every word 🙂
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Thank you!
Joanna
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I found this post about animal compassion so inspiring and magnificent, starting from the very first quote-
As ever, thank you so much for such a well-researched, fantastic article. Loved it so much
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Thank you, Dear Luisa, for the wonderful comments! I cannot even tell you how good it make me feel to read your words! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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You’re so welcome, Joanna: appreciation goes both ways 💕
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Thank you! xxx
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🙏🙏🙏
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Dear Joanna, this is the first occasion where I found myself compelled to give your post a second read, not because comprehension eluded me on the first read, but rather because I sought to immerse myself once more in the altruistic emotions your words evoked.
I had seen the video of humpback whale rescuing the scientist from a shark, and then I couldn’t believe that it was real, suspecting it was staged for documentary purposes. I had also seen the touching tale of the stallion Peyo. These are such moving videos that one yearns to revisit them again and again.
In this connection, I also recollect a poignant video featuring a sparrow whose mate had perished. The devoted bird attempted tirelessly to rouse its lifeless partner by tenderly prodding her with its beak, and when all efforts failed, it eventually succumbed alongside its beloved companion.
There are so many stories of altruism related to animals, especially faithful canine friends. The story of monkey resuscitating his friend in Kanpur garnered significant attention in newspapers and on television. During that time, the locals in Kanpur attributed almost supernatural powers to the monkey, likening it to an incarnation of Lord Hanuman.
I came across an article suggesting that in the course of evolution, certain attributes of more advanced species may occasionally manifest in some exceptional cases among less advanced ones. While I lack precise knowledge on this matter, it’s always interesting to read such phenomena.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to you, Joanna, for sharing this remarkable post with your readers. Lastly, I love your mantra, “I aim to please,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly embrace.
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Thank you, Dear Kaushal, for your wonderful and analytical comments! I knew that you will like this post as other readers expressed their regret at having to leave this world of goodwill and altruism. I feel the same. I will have to comeback to this fascinating topic because I could not include all cases. My thoughts why animal are altruistic are complex, and are to do with the fact that originally we were all connected at primeval level and the world evolved by love that in true form is altruism.
I cannot find, Kaushal, adequate words of gratitude for your thoughts, kind word and being so closely likeminded. Thank you !
Joanna
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Truly wonderful Joanna. I so look forward to your marvellous posts and I am never disappointed. There are so many documented and recorded cases of creatures other than humans showing empathy and altruism that it cannot be denied.
Thank you!
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Thank you, Peter, for your beautiful comments! You are telepathic as just now I was thinking why there is no comment from you! And just like by magic here is your wonderful comment! Thank you!
I will have to come back to this topic because I couldn’t find space in one post for more fascinating cases.
Thank you, Peter, again, and good night!
Joanna
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I always like to savour your posts Joanna and take my time so I do not miss anything!
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Altruism IS like a random act of kindness. Just imagine what would happen if every received random act of kindness was passed along to others! Our world would be a more loving one in so many ways and earth’s inhabitants would be the beneficiaries. Perhaps there would be more peace on earth! Thank you for the inspiration in the form of Altruism. Stewart
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Great job once again, and you are so very welcome Joanna. Hugs, love and smooches! 🥰💖🌺💞😍
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Thank you, Peter, you are so kind!
Joanna
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Thank you, Stewart, for you wonderful comments! Of course, you are right, it would be paradise on earth!
Joanna
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Thank you, Kym, you are so very kind!
Joanna xx
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Joanna, it is always my pleasure. You are such a joy to interact with, and I appreciate that so much. You keep me encouraged and your kindness touches my heart in so many ways. Thank you! 😊🦋🤗💞😁
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Dear Joanna,
I loved reading about the amazing things animals do for each other. I was particularly moved by the monkey. So much so I couldn’t write a response. I was so deeply touched. Thank you for sharing your lovely posts. I always find them uplifting.
Take care Morag x
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Thank you, Morag, for your lovely comments! I think, many readers were moved by the altruism of animals, and I will write a follow up soon as there are many more extraordinary stories to tell.
Thank you, Morag, again, your words are much appreciated!
Joanna x
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You are welcome 💜
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XXX!
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Joanna, I’ve been so busy at work, I’m behind in reading posts. I was tempted to not go back so far, but GLAD I did. Another AMAZING post by you. Such great stories, photos and the books too. It’s hard to have a favorite, your first photo of the mice, helping each other – beautiful! Thank you for all the research and the time writing to share with us. 💕
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Thank you, Monica, for your wonderful comments! I am so glad that you found time to read and comment! Your words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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❤️🌺🍁
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XXX!
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These animals are in the wild ..I love all of these images. Anita
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Thank you Anita, for your kind comments! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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I agree with you Joanna, there is incredible capacity for altruism in animals and how they extend kindness and empathy across species boundaries.
It’s quite an interesting story of Wojtek during World War II. “I aim to please” should indeed inspire us all to be better humans and extend our care and compassion not only to other humans but also to the animals and nature around us. Difference can be made with small acts of kindness. Thank you for sharing these touching stories. ❤️
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Thank you, Ritish, for your wonderful comments on the two posts! My point, as you understood it, was that we are all connected on this planet, and must help anyone in need, human or animal. There is no future for humanity otherwise.
Thank you, Ritish, again, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
PS. I do admire your work, Ritish!
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