Marine biologist Jared Towers, from Bay Cetology in British Columbia, observed remarkable behaviour while studying killer whales underwater. He witnessed a juvenile female orca approach a camera, spit out a dead seabird, and seemingly watch for his reaction before swallowing the bird again. This intriguing encounter was not an isolated incident; Towers later noted another young female presenting him with a freshly killed harbour seal pup.
These incidents prompted Towers to speak with fellow researchers, revealing that numerous instances had occurred globally, where killer whales offered food to humans. Upon compiling the data, Towers found 34 recorded cases between 2004 and 2024. The findings were published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, exploring the motivations behind this unusual behaviour.
The researchers proposed several explanations: orcas may be showcasing curiosity about human reactions, engaging in play, or even having more malicious intent, having been known to use bait for hunting. However, there has never been a record of orcas attacking humans. Towers pointed out that various mechanisms could underlie this behaviour, primarily driven by their ability to spare food and their instinct to learn more about humans.
Remarkably, in most documented cases, orcas waited for human responses after presenting their offerings. Humans, however, typically ignored the gifts, accepting them only a few times and often discarding them shortly after. Similar to how pets bring gifts to their owners, this behaviour in wild killer whales is unprecedented, with few instances of other marine predators engaging in such acts.
Towers noted that there is considerable interest in understanding the intelligence and social interactions of killer whales, known for their large brains relative to body size. They can also take down prey significantly larger than themselves, explaining why they have surplus food. Additionally, they might possess spindle neurons linked to empathy, raising questions about the motivations behind their actions.
The study found no discernible patterns concerning the whales’ sex or age. Regardless of these factors, the behaviour indicated a broader trend of orcas initiating interactions with humans. Towers hopes that this research will highlight the sophistication of these creatures and underscore the need for responsible human actions towards their welfare.
In summary, these extraordinary interactions between killer whales and humans provide insight into the complexities of marine life, inviting further inquiry into animal behaviour and our relationship with nature.