Killer whales found sharing food with humans for first time in groundbreaking study
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Killer whales seen ‘attempting to create relationships with humans’
- A new study reveals that killer whales occasionally offer their prey to humans, suggesting an attempt to develop relationships.
- This behaviour, previously documented in domestic animals like cats, marks the first time such food-sharing has been observed and studied in wild predators.
- Researchers analysed 34 instances over two decades across various global locations, where orcas approached humans and presented them with prey.
- The study indicates that orcas often waited for a human reaction and, in some cases, re-offered the food if initially refused, showing persistence.
- Experts suggest this food-sharing could be a way for these intelligent and social marine mammals to build connections, practice learned behaviors, or explore human interaction.