Two peer-reviewed studies published this month describe previously undocumented social behaviours in wild killer whales, adding to evidence of the species’ complex cognition and curiosity toward humans. In the Journal of Comparative Psychology, marine biologists analysed 34 encounters recorded since 2004 in which orcas voluntarily approached people and dropped freshly caught prey—ranging from harbour seals and sea otters to fish and birds—within a body-length of the recipient. The interactions occurred in four oceans and in 21 cases involved people in boats, 11 swimmers and two observers on shore. Lead author Jared Towers of Bay Cetology said the animals’ willingness to wait for a response in 97 percent of the episodes suggests exploratory or prosocial intent, potentially aimed at learning about or establishing relationships with humans. A separate paper in the journal Oceans documents the first video evidence of two wild orcas engaging in mouth-to-mouth “tongue-nibbling”, a behaviour likened to kissing. The footage, captured during a snorkeling expedition in Norway’s Kvænangen fjords in October 2024, shows the whales repeating gentle face-to-face contact for about two minutes before swimming away. Co-author Javier Almunia of Spain’s Loro Parque Fundación called the behaviour ‘exceptionally rare’; until now it had been observed only sporadically in captive whales in 1978 and 2019. Researchers say the findings underscore the species’ sophisticated social repertoire but caution that close contact remains risky for both whales and people. Further study is needed to determine whether the behaviours represent play, social bonding or other forms of communication.