Marine researchers working with the BBC on Blue Planet witnessed humpback whales save a seal that was being hunted by an Orca pod. I find it fascinating that Humpbacks would feel empathy for another species. There have been numerous accounts of whales and dolphins intervening to save another creature (including humans).

It’s not hard to imagine why humpbacks would rush to the rescue when another humpback whale is under attack. Because they migrate to and from the same breeding grounds where they were born, humpbacks are likely to encounter relatives. So a threatened calf might share some genes with a rescuer, making the apparently altruistic act of saving it somewhat self-interested.

But why protect other species?

The article is here if you want to know more