Orcas, known as killer whales, have been documented displaying a new behavior of kissing in the wild. A pair of orcas was filmed French-kissing, gently biting each other's tongues for nearly two minutes. This behavior, termed 'tongue nibbling,' had only been seen in captivity prior to this observation. Scientists suggest this kissing-like activity may represent social bonding among these intelligent creatures. The event took place in Norway, where nature tourists witnessed the orcas engaging in repeated mouth touches during three bouts lasting about 20 seconds each.
'The behaviour colloquially referred to as "kissing" in killer whales is extraordinarily rare. It was first described in 1978 in individuals under human care, but remained virtually undocumented for decades.'
'This behaviour, referred to as 'tongue nibbling' by scientists, has been seen before in captive whales but never amongst orcas in the wild.'
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