A whale-watching trip recently turned into a viral moment when an orca, identified as J27 Blackberry, was spotted sporting a dead salmon on its head, reminiscent of a peculiar trend last observed in the 1980s. This unexpected fashion statement has ignited social media and rekindled discussions about the complex social behaviors of these magnificent marine mammals.
This curious “salmon hat” phenomenon first surfaced in 1987 in the Puget Sound, when a female orca was seen with a salmon adorning her nose. The trend quickly spread through her pod and eventually reached other pods in the region, according to Atlas Obscura. However, this fishy fad vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving researchers puzzled. Now, 37 years later, J27 Blackberry’s stylish display suggests a possible resurgence.
The image of J27 Blackberry, captured on October 25th, clearly shows the tail end of the salmon perched atop the orca’s head, just above the waterline. The Orca Conservancy describes J27 Blackberry as a male born in 1991, known for his close bonds with his sister, J31, and younger brother, J39. Tragically, the siblings lost their mother, J11, in 2008. This latest observation raises questions about how this behavior might be passed down or learned within orca communities.
Stephanie Raymond, a program manager for the Orca Network, confirmed that orcas do indeed exhibit social trends. She acknowledged the 1980s salmon-wearing phenomenon but cautioned against drawing conclusions based on a single photograph. While the image of J27 Blackberry has sparked a flurry of online memes and media attention, Raymond emphasizes the need for further documentation before confirming a full-blown trend revival. “If the salmon ‘wearing’ behavior…was, in fact, a revival of the old trend, there would be ample documentation of that,” Raymond stated in an email to MaagX.com.
Other marine mammals, such as humpback whales, have been observed with seaweed on their heads, possibly for sensory stimulation, as noted by the marine conservation group ORCA. However, humpbacks don’t consume kelp, whereas orcas do eat salmon. This dietary difference makes the orca’s behavior more akin to a human wearing a plate of spaghetti and meatballs as a hat, rather than a simple piece of dental floss.
Orcas have been making headlines for various reasons in recent years. From attacking boats and capsizing a 49-foot yacht to hunting dolphins off the coast of Chile, and even preying on great white sharks and whale sharks, these apex predators continue to fascinate and intrigue.
The fact that this latest salmon-hat sighting occurred in the same region as the 1980s trend raises the possibility that some of the original participants may be involved in its resurgence, as suggested by a researcher to New Scientist. However, given that J27 Blackberry was born four years after the original trend subsided, it remains unclear how he adopted this peculiar behavior.
In conclusion, while J27 Blackberry’s fashion choice has captured public attention, further observation is needed to determine whether this marks a true revival of the salmon hat trend or simply an isolated incident. This intriguing behavior underscores the complexity of orca social dynamics and the ongoing need for research and understanding of these remarkable creatures.
