Can we take a moment to appreciate seaweed? It’s a superfood, a skincare essential… and apparently, orca-approved (9 out of 10 orcas agree). Scientists recently caught orcas in the Pacific Northwest grooming each other with kelp. This behaviour, called “kelping,” isn’t exactly new — orcas have long been seen rubbing themselves on seaweed. But this time, researchers noticed something different. Using drones, they spotted whales carefully breaking off just the right length of kelp, then using their nose to rub it on their partner’s sides. By deliberately selecting and manipulating kelp to groom each other, the whales are using a tool. This is a classic sign of high-level intelligence in animals. But is it really for skincare? Maybe. The seaweed might help shed old skin and could even fight off bacteria. Or it could be about social bonding. Most likely, it’s both. Whatever the reason, it’s just another reminder of how intelligent, social, and awesome orcas are! Photo by mitty #Ocean...