Compassion vs. Altruism
According to marine ecologist Robert Pitman, an act of compassion is described as when humans protect an animal from danger, and although altruism seems similar, the explanation behind the action is different. In the humpback’s case, it may have protected Hauser out of some instinct to protect its offspring, which it temporarily considered the marine biologist to be. Regardless, she is beyond grateful for the help she received that day, and it wasn’t an isolated situation.