A talented photographer has captured the rare sight of a swarm of ten 40 ft sperm whales sleeping upright.
Franco Banfi caught these amazing marine animals around 65ft underwater off the coast of Dominica in the Caribbean.
The sperm whales, known to be social animals, usually nap vertically for about 6 to 25 minutes at a time.
This behaviour was first documented in 2008, and after further studies, it was discovered that they nap for short periods for about 7% of their lives.
“This is a group of about ten sperm whales sleeping together,” Mr. Banfi said.
“I don’t know why they sleep upright, perhaps because they can use the sonar they have in their heads to sense any approaching danger.”
“I am very fortunate to have witnessed such a wonderful moment in the wild, and I am very grateful to the whales for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to attend the show.”
“It doesn’t happen that way every time you see them.”
See more of Franco Banfi’s work on his Instagram.
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