US Edition
Orcas use kelp tools to groom and bond off B.C.’s coast, study suggests
SALISH SEA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, JUN 23 – Critically endangered Southern Resident orcas use kelp pieces as tools to groom and bond, with 30 instances recorded during a 2024 study in the Salish Sea, researchers said.
- Researchers observed southern resident orcas off the coasts of Washington State and British Columbia using kelp as tools to groom one another during summer 2024.
- This behavior, named allokelping, was discovered through drone observations after nearly 50 years of studying this critically endangered orca population in the Salish Sea.
- Orcas snapped ends of bull kelp stalks then rolled the kelp between bodies to massage partners, suggesting social grooming and possible skin exfoliation benefits.
- The team recorded 30 instances over 12 days between April and July 2024, with Michael Weiss calling the tool use 'incredibly exciting' and unique among marine mammals.
- This finding highlights the importance of continued monitoring and protecting the orcas and may expand understanding of their complex social behaviors and culture.
157 Articles
157 Articles
Orcas Spotted Grooming With Seaweed
Scientists have captured footage of killer whales using seaweed as grooming tools—offering the first glimpse of these marine mammals inventing their own "spa day" in the wild. The discovery, published in Current Biology , stems from observations by Rachel John, a master's student at Exeter University, who noticed "something kind...
Wild orcas surprise researchers by using kelp as natural loofahs
Killer whales continue to surprise us with their behavior. They wear salmon as hats and smash fancy yachts for fun. Now, the fun-loving apex predators have been observed using kelp to give each other an underwater spa day. Observing wildlife with drones has provided scientists with access to behaviors that have never been seen before. — Read the rest The post Wild orcas surprise researchers by using kelp as natural loofahs appeared first on Boin…
It is the first time that marine mammals have been found to “make and use tools”.
Good better beast: Orcas rub each other's bodies with stalks of kelp, a seaweed. It's a social behavior that's similar to fleas. A ticklish spot where you…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
