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Orca Allokelping: Newly Documented Mutual Grooming Tool Use in Marine Mammals

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Manage episode 494311382 series 167482
Content provided by Andrew Lewin - Marine Biologist and Ocean Conservationist and Andrew Lewin. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Andrew Lewin - Marine Biologist and Ocean Conservationist and Andrew Lewin or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Orca Allokelping is the newly documented behavior where southern resident killer whales use bull kelp as a tool to rub against each other—possibly to remove dead skin and soothe irritation. Captured via drone, this social spa-like behavior, known as allokelping, reveals a rare example of cooperative tool use in the wild. Scientists believe it serves both physical and social functions, strengthening bonds within pods and supporting skin health.

Kelp grooming is more than just orca hygiene. It highlights the intelligence and cultural complexity of these endangered whales. The discovery comes with a reminder: kelp forests and Chinook salmon are essential for these behaviors to continue. As habitat and food sources decline, so too may the traditions that define this population. This episode breaks down the science behind the behavior and why it matters for conservation.

Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

  continue reading

1794 episodes

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iconShare
 
Manage episode 494311382 series 167482
Content provided by Andrew Lewin - Marine Biologist and Ocean Conservationist and Andrew Lewin. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Andrew Lewin - Marine Biologist and Ocean Conservationist and Andrew Lewin or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Orca Allokelping is the newly documented behavior where southern resident killer whales use bull kelp as a tool to rub against each other—possibly to remove dead skin and soothe irritation. Captured via drone, this social spa-like behavior, known as allokelping, reveals a rare example of cooperative tool use in the wild. Scientists believe it serves both physical and social functions, strengthening bonds within pods and supporting skin health.

Kelp grooming is more than just orca hygiene. It highlights the intelligence and cultural complexity of these endangered whales. The discovery comes with a reminder: kelp forests and Chinook salmon are essential for these behaviors to continue. As habitat and food sources decline, so too may the traditions that define this population. This episode breaks down the science behind the behavior and why it matters for conservation.

Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

  continue reading

1794 episodes

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