I was a big orca fan – but their skincare regime is giving me the ick | Emma Beddington
The Guardian - ScienceMonday, June 30, 2025 at 10:00:18 AM
Emma Beddington, a self-proclaimed orca enthusiast, is having second thoughts after learning about the whales' peculiar skincare habits—specifically, their use of kelp stalks to massage each other. She finds this behavior oddly performative, more akin to the antics of dolphins than the "serious" cetaceans she admired. While she still relates to their boat-sinking tendencies (who hasn’t wanted to shoo humans away from nature?), the kelp spa days are a bridge too far.
Editor’s Note: This playful yet slightly disillusioned take on orca behavior highlights how even our favorite animals can surprise (or weird us out). It’s a reminder that nature doesn’t exist to fit our romanticized ideals—sometimes, it’s just weirdly relatable. Plus, it’s a fun twist on the usual "orca vs. humans" narrative, showing how even niche animal quirks can spark conversation.
— Curated via WP Now’s
