"Offering items to humans could simultaneously include opportunities for killer whales to practice learned cultural behavior, explore or play and in so doing learn about, manipulate or develop relationships with us," the researchers wrote. "Giving the advanced cognitive abilities and social, cooperative nature of this species, we assume that any or all these explanations for, and outcomes of such behavior are possible."

[–] Broadfern@lemmy.world 7 points 3 days ago (1 children)

So..they’re researching us?

[–] murmurations@lemmy.sdf.org 4 points 3 days ago

After humans have been genociding them and jamming their frequencies, their instinct in research is to gift humans food

[–] catty@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The wolves of the seas. Ten thousand years from now, everyone will have a pet killer whale.

[–] Hideakikarate@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

That's ridiculous. We won't have oceans that far in the future.

[–] AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world 9 points 3 days ago

The only time orcas see humans is when we’re flailing practically helplessly in the water—they’re probably trying to save us from extinction.

[–] catty@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

I think it could actually be more like the "horse's head in the bed" warning from the God Father.

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago

Game recognizes game.

[–] lurch@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

probably bait to lure more humans into the water 😆

[–] Mobiuthuselah@mander.xyz 2 points 3 days ago

Has anyone tried playing fetch?

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 1 points 3 days ago

Whales and dolphins have speech, too.

[–] SlartyBartFast@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 days ago

They're paying tribute