Beneath the ocean’s surface, something significant sits within these iconic foreheads: the largest brain of any animal on Earth.

At around 20 pounds, the sperm whale brain is five times the weight of a human's. While size alone doesn't define intelligence, evolution seems to favor the advantage, providing some support for the notion that size 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 matter.  

So what does a brain this big really mean? 

Some believe these whales once learned to evade hunters—changing their behavior and possibly even sharing those lessons across clans. Like humans, they possess neurons tied to reasoning, memory, emotional awareness, and communication.

And it's their communication that has scientists leaning in.
In Dominica, researchers with Project CETI are using artificial intelligence to decode the whales' intricate clicking patterns—"codas," which vary between pods, like human dialects.

On my second day in the water, I was lucky enough to witness a social gathering: around fifteen whales rolling and rubbing their bodies together at the surface. As the pod drifted off, one female lingered. She swam directly toward me, releasing clicks loud enough to vibrate through my chest. Whales use these pulses to inspect objects (or people)—turning upside down to receive the echoes through their jaw.

It's the kind of encounter you long for.
One where the interest and curiosity aren't solely on your end.

Now, the feelings are mutual.

It may be that these animals are sharing complex insights through their repeated clicks.
Or maybe they're simply saying hello.
Again and again.

If we're lucky, we might someday understand what they mean.

And maybe, we’ll get the chance to respond back.