By News18
The French kiss is no stranger to popular culture. But what’s grabbed global attention now is not actors lip-locking in movies, but animals: a pair of killer whales seemingly caught in a prolonged kiss, and it’s left scientists intrigued.
A video circulating on social media shows two orcas engaging in gentle, mouth-to-mouth contact for nearly two minutes—an act resembling a kiss. This unusual display has become a viral sensation and is now under scientific scrutiny, as it’s believed to be the first recorded case of such behaviour in the wild.
An Unusual Encounter In Norway
The incident took place in Kveningen Fjords, Norway, where researchers observed two wild killer whales delicately touching and nibbling each other’s tongues. This gentle interaction, reminiscent of a ‘French kiss’, was completely non-aggressive, with no harm caused.
Such behaviour, often referred to as gentle tongue biting, had until now only been documented among orcas in captivity, making this wild sighting all the more remarkable.
Marine biologist Javier Almunia and his team reported the interaction, noting that it lasted close to two minutes and involved light, sustained contact. Scientists speculate this could be a way to:
Strengthen social bonds
Perform social grooming
Request food
However, the exact purpose remains uncertain. Similar gestures have also been observed in captive beluga whales, suggesting this may be part of cultural or social behaviour among cetaceans.
A Glimpse Into Orca Intelligence
Killer whales are renowned for their intelligence and social complexity. This incident has opened new avenues of research into how these animals communicate and bond.
Some scientists suggest that orcas may be capable of learned or even culturally influenced behaviour, much like humans.
Whether affectionate or instinctual, the ‘kiss’ has certainly added a new dimension to our understanding of these magnificent marine mammals.