Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time
A recent study published in the research journal Oceans has added yet another interesting, human-like interaction to the pantheon of orca behaviors observed in the wild. This time, the orcas were filmed "tongue nibbling," an affectionate behavior not unlike human kissing.
'This study presents the first recorded observation of tongue-nibbling between two wild killer whales," the study says, with video captured by a citizen scientist on a snorkeling expedition in the Kvænangen fjords in northern Norway. Although it's been observed occasionally by orcas in captivity as far back as the '70s, this is the first time the behavior was caught in the wild.The interaction, the study notes, "lasted nearly two minutes and involved repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact. This behaviour closely resembles sequences observed and described in detail in zoological settings, suggesting that it forms part of the species' natural social repertoire. The observation also supports the interpretation of tongue-nibbling as a socially affiliative behaviour, likely involved in reinforcing social bonds, particularly among juveniles."
Although the exact purpose of the behavior has not been determined, scientists compared it to kissing behaviors observed in primates and beluga whales, which serve communicative or bonding functions.
'This behavior appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviors in other highly social species," said co-author Javier Almunia to LiveScience.
Check out the video below:
Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
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