Discover why killer whales give fish to humans

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 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 have recorded at least 34 instances where the ocean's apex predators have approached swimmers, fishermen or boaters, gently dropping their 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 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 recipients refused.

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

Predator-sharing behavior between wild animals and humans is rare. In the wild, killer whales are known for their intelligence, living in close-knit groups, and using 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, leaving them with 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 come to and actively released 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./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

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