Killer whales filmed using tools for the first time

The marine mammals use kelp to groom each other

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Researchers have discovered that endangered killer whales in the Pacific Northwest use tools made from kelp to groom one another — a behaviour never before seen in marine mammals.

In a new study published in Current Biology, scientists observed southern resident killer whales manufacturing tools by tearing off pieces of bull kelp and rolling them between their bodies during social interactions.

Drone footage captured whales pressing the kelp against their companions and using it to scrub off dead skin cells during prolonged grooming sessions.