Orcas ask humans to lunch, share massagesMore than 30 cases of wild killer whales attempting to share their prey with human beings are the subject of a study published today (30 June). Drone footage of southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea, in the inland waters of Washington state, revealed the behaviour. However, in what has now been dubbed “allokelping” the kelp is selected, trimmed and manipulated by two orcas working in unison. Two orcas allokelping – the seaweed can just be seen between their bodies (Centre For Whale Research)The study was led by the Centre for Whale Research in collaboration with the UK’s University of Exeter. The orcas were most likely to choose as allokelp partners close maternal relatives, and those of similar age.