A recent international study has documented wild orcas engaging in a rare behavior of sharing their prey with humans on more than 30 occasions across four oceans, including populations from Norway to New Zealand. Researchers observed orcas presenting food items such as rays, seals, fish, and even dead birds to scientists, divers, and other humans. This behavior appears deliberate and consistent, suggesting potential social motivations behind the interactions. Scientists propose that this could indicate orcas possess a theory of mind and may be capable of altruism, even across species boundaries. The findings highlight orcas' advanced intelligence, noting that only humans have a larger brain relative to body size. Researchers are exploring whether these acts represent kindness, an attempt to build social bonds, or possibly manipulation. The study marks the first documented evidence of wild killer whales gifting food to humans, a behavior previously unreported in marine mammals.
シャチが人間にえさを分け与えてくれた瞬間の映像 その理由は? https://t.co/tLW4KmVeO9
Killer whales are one of the most intelligent animals; only humans have a larger brain relative to their body size, according to the study. #9News https://t.co/mfLABP5NEV
Orcas are bringing humans gifts of food – but why? https://t.co/NYQ0qzU7wD