For the first time in time, a pair of vows was “caught in the leeks” to exchange tender kisses, mouth -to -mouth, in conditions of natural environment and specifically in the frozen waters of North Norway.

This rare behavior was observed during a research monitoring of whale behavior in the kvaenangen fjords, about 109 km northeast of Tromso, in October 2024.

The findings were published on June 11 in the Oceans scientific journal.

According to scientists who were present in the … romantic fabric the couple, the whales not only gently stuck their mouths but even playing their tongues playfully in an interaction that lasted about two minutes and included three rounds … kiss.

After their bullshit, the two orcuses were removed by swimming in a different direction.

First time with … ‘scenery’ nature

The phenomenon of “Wal Kiss” has been observed in the past only in captivity – the first time in 1978 and again in 2019 in a zoo in Tenerife, Spain, where they are hosted.

“This behavior is extremely rare,” Javier Almunia, who has contributed to the study of the study and works as director of the Loro Parque Foundation, told live.

“It is known to several caregivers, but it is so rare that it can be years without observing it again.”

A … kiss is not just kiss

In the wild – as in zoos – kiss is something that is found in many species and often acts as a social signal. The monkeys, for example, kiss or touch their lips as a sign of confidence, while in wolves and dogs, licks in the mouth show submission or respect.

According to the researchers, orcuses may practice it as a way of enhancing social bonds, and are similar behavior to other toothpicks such as Belga.

Kiss, play or … cleaning?

Some scientists, however, have reservations about this behavior.

Luke Rendall from St. University Andrews of Scotland said there is not enough information to reach safe conclusions.

“Maybe this is a friendly behavior, perhaps a food begging or even some form of grooming effort. Without systematic recording, everything is speculation, “he explains.

Some experts are precisely arguing that a single observation is not enough to support wider conclusions.

“There is no comparative data, there is no statistical basis to support such generalizations,” Rendall emphasizes.

Natural behavior

This observation, however, rejects the view that “the kiss of the whales” only occurs in captivity as for the authors of the study, the frame they have imprinted, it is proof that such behaviors are natural and deeply rooted in the species DNA.

The study, however, summarizes that this behavior could be a kind of play or “tendency” between the orcus, corresponding to another curious behavior that has been observed in the past – when they placed dead fish on their heads like … hats.

It is certain that these multidimensional mammals will continue to surprise us with their intelligence and reactions, especially when, as they show us a … warm side in the frozen Arctic waters.