For reasons that remain unclear, wild orcas have repeatedly offered “food” to humans in oceans worldwide, a behavior now documented in a newly published study in the Journal of Comparative Psychology.
The research, led by Jared Towers of Bay Cetology in Canada, along with Ingrid Visser of the Orca Research Trust in New Zealand and Vanessa Prigollini of the Marine Education Association in Mexico, recorded 34 such encounters over the past two decades. The team analyzed firsthand observations and credible reports in which orcas approached humans unprompted and deliberately dropped items ? including fish, seabirds, and seaweed ? nearby. These offerings were made to people on boats, in the water, or even standing on shore.
In all but one case, the whales appeared to wait for a reaction. When the gift was declined, several orcas repeated the gesture.
The motivation behind this behavior is unknown, but scientists suspect it may reflect attempts to connect with humans. “Orcas often share food with each other ? it’s a prosocial activity and a way they build relationships,” Towers said. “That they also share with humans may show their interest in relating to us as well.” Researchers largely dismiss the idea that the exchanges are simply play, noting that whales of all ages, rather than just juveniles, displayed the unusual behavior. Another theory ? that the whales might be luring humans as they do with prey ? is also considered unlikely, as there are no recorded instances of wild orcas killing humans.
While similar “gifting” behavior has been observed in other animals such as cats, false killer whales, and leopard seals, the study is one of the first to document such behavior in apex predators in the wild.
Experts caution against overinterpreting the behavior. Still, the incidents highlight the species’ intelligence, complex social bonds, and brain structures linked to empathy. As researcher Hanne Strager noted, the encounters offer a rare glimpse into the minds of animals that continue to intrigue scientists and challenge our understanding of interspecies relationships.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor teen/1755743087/1613367750
1. What kinds of items have orcas given to humans?
2. Who led the study on this behavior?
3. Why do scientists think orcas might share food with people?
4. How did the orcas react when humans declined their gifts?
1. How would you feel if a wild orca offered you food?
2. Would you accept or decline a gift from an orca? Why?
3. Do you think animals and humans can form real relationships?
4. What other animals would you like to interact with in the wild, and why?
For reasons that remain unclear, wild orcas have repeatedly offered “food” to humans in oceans worldwide, a behavior now documented in a newly published study in the Journal of Comparative Psychology.
