Killer whales make kelp tools to 'massage' each other
Published: 6/23/2025

Killer whales in the North Pacific have been observed using kelp to perform "massages" on each other, a behavior believed to have health, hygiene, and social bonding benefits. Researchers filmed the orcas selecting, biting, and placing kelp between their bodies, showcasing tool use and planned behavior. The study, published in Current Biology, revealed this unique behavior among killer whales, shedding light on their intricate social interactions and communication through what scientists have dubbed as "allokelping."