A remarkable new behavior has been observed among the Southern Resident killer whales inhabiting the Salish Sea: mutual grooming facilitated by bull kelp. Dubbed "allokelping," this intriguing practice sees orcas employing sections of kelp, which they bite off and use to rub against each other's bodies.
The study, featured in *Current Biology*, sheds light on the intricate social dynamics of these cetaceans. Researchers meticulously documented the whales' selection and manipulation of bull kelp for grooming purposes. This marks the first documented instance of tool use for grooming within the marine animal kingdom.
This behavior, frequently observed among closely related individuals, likely serves to promote skin health and reinforce social bonds. This groundbreaking discovery further illuminates the remarkable intelligence and complex social structures of killer whales, underscoring the critical importance of ongoing conservation initiatives.