Wild Killer Whales offer 'gifts' to humans, captured in video — Scientists explain this strange behaviour

Killer Whales Offer 'Gifts' to Humans (Image: X)

A curious trend in the deep sea has surfaced. Wild killer whales have been seen offering gifts to humans across the world’s oceans, leaving scientists both surprised and intrigued.

Study Finds 34 Cases of Orcas Giving to Humans

A new study has documented 34 rare interactions between orcas and people. These events took place in four different oceans and involved both male and female whales of all ages.

In each instance, the whales approached humans on boats, in the water, or near shorelines. They presented items including fish, birds, invertebrates, marine mammals, and even seaweed.

Researchers recorded 18 different species being offered in total. The list includes six types of fish, five marine mammals, three invertebrates, two birds, one reptile, and a lone piece of seaweed.

The scientists observed that the whales often paused after approaching. This behaviour suggested they were waiting for a response from the human receiver.

Killer whales have started feeding people.

Scientists have documented the rarest behavior of predatory dolphins: they voluntarily share their catch with fishermen. In this way, the animals want to establish contact with us.pic.twitter.com/Hrm0nEfmGW

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 7, 2025

Behaviour May Suggest Altruism or Curiosity

According to the study’s authors, the behaviour appears intentional. They believe the whales might be trying to interact or communicate with humans in some way.

“This isn’t just random behaviour,” the researchers wrote. “It looks like the whales are exploring our responses to their actions.”

The study points to a possible form of generalised altruism. This means the whales may be helping or giving to another species without expecting anything back.

The researchers argue that this type of behaviour likely comes at a low cost to the whales. That could explain why it may happen more frequently than previously believed in some orca populations.

Rethinking the Human-Animal Connection

These interactions remain rare but are thought-provoking. They challenge long-held ideas about how intelligent marine animals view humans.

Orcas, once seen mainly as dangerous predators, now appear capable of subtle social behaviour. Some may even be attempting to form basic bonds with people.

The findings also suggest deeper emotional and cognitive abilities in orcas. The team believes such behaviour may echo patterns found in dolphins, elephants, and apes.

As our understanding of animal minds grows, so too does the potential for more meaningful interspecies relationships. This study might mark a quiet shift in how we relate to the wild.