Discover why killer whales give fish to humans

Experts say that giving treats may also be a way to practice learned cultural behavior, a form of exploration, play, and experimentation in building relationships with people.

Scientists have just published research revealing a strange but interesting phenomenon: Killer whales (orcas) around the world continuously "give gifts" of fish and squid to humans.

Over the past 20 years, they recorded at least 34 times the ocean's apex predators approached swimmers, fishermen or tourists on boats, gently dropping prey in front of them and patiently waiting for a reaction.

According to a team of researchers from Canada, New Zealand and Mexico, these events occurred in many seas such as California, New Zealand, Norway and Patagonia.

Of these, 11 occurred while the humans were in the water, 21 while they were in a boat, and two were right on the shore. Remarkably, nearly all of the whales lingered after delivering the “gift,” even attempting to offer more food seven times when the recipient refused.

“Killer whales are known to share food within their pods to strengthen relationships, and their sharing with humans may reflect their interest in and effort to establish a connection with us,” said lead author Jared Towers, of Bay Cetology in British Columbia, Canada.

Predator-sharing behavior between wild animals and humans is rare. In the wild, killer whales are known to be intelligent, live in close-knit groups, and use food sharing to build bonds not only with relatives but also with unrelated individuals. They are also skilled hunters, often taking down prey larger than themselves, so they have plenty of food to “give away.”

The study stressed that, to be included in the analysis, each event had to meet strict criteria: whales had to come and actively drop prey in front of humans (not because humans got too close).

In most cases, killer whales appear curious, waiting to see a reaction, seemingly wanting to observe how humans interact.

Experts say that giving treats can also be a way to practice learned cultural behavior, a form of exploration , play, and experimentation in building relationships with humans.

Because of their complex cognitive abilities and high sociality, killer whales may have many motives and purposes behind this seemingly simple act.

The new study, published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, marks an important step forward in understanding the interspecies relationship between humans and the intelligent “kings” of the ocean./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/kham-pha-ly-do-ca-voi-sat-thu-tang-ca-cho-con-nguoi-post1047724.vnp