### Killer Whales Exhibit Unique Grooming Behavior Using Kelp: A Breakthrough in Marine Mammal Culture Recent observations have revealed that killer whales, also known as orcas, are engaging in a fascinating behavior where they use kelp as a grooming tool. This behavior, documented through drone footage, showcases the social and possibly therapeutic interactions among these intelligent marine mammals. The phenomenon, termed "allokelping," highlights the complex social structures and communication skills of killer whales, suggesting that they may use this behavior for both hygiene and social bonding purposes [https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-use-kelp-to-massage-and-groom-each-other]. ### Understanding the Grooming Behavior of Killer Whales 1. **Behavioral Observation**: Researchers have documented killer whales biting off lengths of kelp and using them to rub against each other, which may serve to strengthen social bonds and promote skin health [https://www.nationalworld.com/your-world/killer-whales-groom-each-other-using-seaweed-5192630]. 2. **Tool Use**: This is the first known instance of marine mammals using tools for grooming, marking a significant discovery in animal behavior studies [https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/researchers-discover-orcas-use-seaweed-as-tools]. 3. **Social Implications**: The act of grooming with kelp may not only be hygienic but also a way for orcas to reinforce social connections within their pods [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/southern-resident-killer-whales-kelp-grooming-1.7568621]. ### Evidence Supporting the Discovery of Kelp Grooming - **Drone Footage**: High-definition drone footage has captured orcas using kelp as grooming tools, providing visual evidence of this behavior [https://www.popsci.com/environment/orca-seaweed-grooming-tool]. - **Research Findings**: Studies indicate that this behavior is not just incidental but a deliberate action that may involve the modification of kelp for optimal use [https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/06/23/killer-whales-appear-to-craft-their-own-tools]. - **Cultural Significance**: The discovery of "allokelping" suggests a level of cultural complexity among orcas, similar to grooming behaviors observed in other social animals [https://www.livescience.com/animals/orcas/salmon-hat-wearing-orcas-also-give-each-other-massages-with-kelp-scientists-discover]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Understanding Orca Behavior **Key Findings**: 1. Killer whales have been observed using kelp as grooming tools, a behavior termed "allokelping" [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/23/killer-whales-kelp-grooming-tool-use]. 2. This behavior highlights the social and possibly therapeutic aspects of orca interactions, reinforcing their complex social structures [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/killer-whales-use-seaweed-tools-groom-each-other-5200931]. 3. The use of tools for grooming marks a significant milestone in the study of marine mammal behavior, indicating a level of intelligence previously unrecognized in cetaceans [https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/killer-whales-use-tools]. This groundbreaking discovery not only enhances our understanding of orca behavior but also opens new avenues for research into the social lives of marine mammals.