In a remarkable encounter with citizen scientists off the coast of Norway, a duo of orcas was seen engaging in “kissing” behavior in the wild for the very first time.

The footage captured by the group displays the pair gently nodding at each other, accompanied by “tongue nibbling.”

While similar behaviors have been documented before, this marks the first instance of such interactions being observed in a natural habitat.

During the video, the orcas came within 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) of each other, sharing three brief moments of affection above the water’s surface for a duration of two minutes.

“This behavior has only been documented in orcas under human supervision,” said Dr. Javier Almunia from Loro Parque in Spain, as reported by BBC Science Focus. He was part of a recently published study utilizing observation videos from marine environments.

“Witnessing it in the wild indicates that such intricate social behaviors extend beyond captivity and are likely integral to the species’ natural social behavior.”

Orcas are known for their strong social structures, employing intricate behavioral systems to form and maintain social relationships.

For marine biologists, these observations are crucial for understanding orca interactions.

“Gaining insight into the social behavior of wildlife is essential for understanding their communication, bonding, and cooperation—key elements for their survival and well-being,” noted Almunia.

Unfortunately, these wild behaviors are rarely seen and require a fair amount of luck to witness at the right moment.

While studying animals in captivity is safer and more accessible, their behaviors often differ significantly from those observed in the wild.

A Remarkable Encounter

The video was filmed on January 11, 2024, when two whales were observed by a fortunate group of snorkelers diving in Kavanangenfjord, northern Norway.

This area is known as a gathering spot for marine mammals, making it an ideal location for observing orcas due to its clear waters.

The group had the opportunity to watch the orcas under the guidance of experienced expedition leaders.

However, the study emphasized that while tourist excursions can lead to valuable scientific observations, “it is widely recognized that activities like whale watching and swimming can pose significant risks to wild populations.”

Orcas, often referred to by the misleading nickname “Killer Whale,” actually belong to the dolphin family. The latter portion of this nickname is accurate, as all dolphins are categorized as “toothed whales.”

Nevertheless, the term “killer” is misleading, as there are no documented cases of wild orcas intentionally harming humans.

The name stems from an ancient mariner who observed orcas hunting other large whales.

“They were originally called ‘whale killers,’ a term that evolved into ‘killer whale’,” explained Almunia.

“While orcas are indeed apex predators, they are also incredibly intelligent and social animals with complex cultures and strong familial bonds. They play a critical role as top predators within marine ecosystems.”

About Our Experts

Dr. Javier Almunia serves as the director of Loro Parque Fanfacion, a Spanish organization dedicated to the conservation of endangered parrot and marine species. He specializes in cetacean biology and has participated in numerous initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

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