The southern resident killer whale J41 holds kelp in her mouth. New research suggests orcas nuzzle each other with kelp, possibly for its exfoliation effect., Orcas have been spotted giving each other rubdowns with kelp tools, rubbing pieces of the seaweed between their bodies., For the first time, researchers say they have captured footage of killer whales making tools out of seaweed to seemingly groom each other., Killer whales groom each other—with pieces of kelp In a newly discovered form of social tool use, orcas scratch each other’s backs with seaweed, Orcas in the North Pacific have been seen "massaging" each other - rubbing pieces of kelp between their bodies. Using drones, researchers filmed the animals selecting and biting off the kelp, then , Sometimes we all need a kelping hand – or fin. For the first time, orcas have been recorded making and using tools, fashioning pieces of kelp so that they can groom each other as they swim. The new discovery in these remarkable animals (Orcinus orca) isn't just a wonderful example of reciprocal .