Something fishy was going on in the ocean… and scientists were shocked when they found out what it was!
High above the sparkling waters of the Salish Sea, a team of whale researchers flew a special drone to watch a group of killer whales (also called orcas). They expected to see whales swimming, splashing, or maybe chasing fish.
But instead… they saw whales giving each other seaweed massages. 😲
🎥 Wait, WHAT?!
Yep. These southern resident killer whales were grabbing long pieces of bull kelp (that’s a type of seaweed), breaking off the ends, and then rolling it on each other’s backs—like a spa day under the sea!
And get this:
🐳 The whales were taking turns!
🐳 Some used it to rub off old, flaky skin.
🐳 Others seemed to just enjoy the feeling—maybe it tickled?
🧠 But… how did they know how to do that?
That’s the mystery scientists are now trying to solve.
This is the first time ever that whales have been seen making and using tools—like how some monkeys use sticks or how crows use leaves. Before now, no marine mammal had been caught doing this!
“It’s like they invented their own grooming gadget,” says Dr. Mike, one of the whale scientists. “They made it from seaweed… and used it with their friends.”
💡 So what does this mean?
It means these whales:
- Might be smarter than we thought!
- Have their own traditions or culture, passed from whale to whale.
- Care for each other in ways we’re still discovering.
And here’s the cool part:
Even though scientists have studied these whales for almost 50 years, this behavior had never been noticed before.
Why? Because drones give us a new bird’s-eye view from above the ocean — like spy glasses into the whale world!
🤔 Could other whales be doing this too?
No one knows yet. But now that scientists are watching, they might spot more underwater “spa parties” soon!
For now, we just know one thing:
Even in the deep sea, friendship, cleverness, and a good seaweed scrub never go out of style.
🔍 Whale Wonder Facts!
- Southern resident killer whales are endangered — there are fewer than 80 left 😢
- Bull kelp can grow up to 100 feet long – taller than a basketball court! 🏀
- Orcas are not fish — they’re the biggest members of the dolphin family 🐬
