A humpback whale used a boat and the help of some dolphins to shelter its calf from other males in Flinders Bay, Western Australia, on August 19, in a dramatic sequence of movements in the water that showed her resilience and determination.

The males likely would not have attacked the calf, but could have caused a fatal separation, according to members of Whale Watch Western Australia, who released the video.

Excited tourists can be heard shouting their approval from the boat during the scene. Credit: Whale Watch Western Australia via Storyful