For a
long time, we thought only humans and other primates
practiced the loving act of mutual grooming. But now,
scientists have discovered that orca whales do this,
too — using kelp!
Grooming is an important
act that helps solidify bonds and also promotes
physical health. Mutual grooming means that two
or more individuals benefit at the same time, requiring
coordination and collaboration. And killer whales (also
called orcas) have apparently been practicing this
behavior all along!
The whales bite off
large portions of kelp, drag it over to another whale,
and maneuver the plant between their two bodies. Then,
they work together to rub the kelp between them,
cleaning them of parasites and dead skin. Not only are
they cooperatively cleaning each other — they're also
using tools!
And these smart, social, and
complex animals urgently need our help. As climate
change continues to worsen, it is disrupting their main
food supplies, including salmon — and it's also
killing off the kelp they've been using in their
mutual-grooming rituals.
We must take action to
help save orcas, as well as the food sources and kelp
they need to stay alive and healthy. In order to do
that, we absolutely have to fight climate change.
There is no other choice. That's why we're demanding
that the UN hold countries to their Paris Climate
Agreement promises. Will you help us?
Promises are easy to make — but
they only count if nations actually follow through on
them. Sign the petition now to protect orcas and their
ecosystems!
