this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2025
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Orcas began attacking [all] yachts as if they were sentient because their friends got struck by propellers.
Scientists said that orcas are not conscious enough to connect the two things, and that it's just an example of "pod play".
Obviously, anyone with half a brain can tell you animals can feel things and hold a grudge, but it's not scientifically rigorous
Whales are actually pretty smart. I think they are probably wiser than the scientists.
Why would they not be able to link these things? My cats can and they're dumb as hell.
It's theory of mind and consciousness level stuff. I don't really know; I read about it ages ago and that was the conclusion, it was "pod behavior" and not vengeance or something higher-level.
Basically, the bar for a behavior/explanation has to be very high in science.
That sounds like it's not vengeance unless it comes from the vengeance centre of the brain, it's just sparkling preemptive violent self defence.
Biologists know many animals are smart, don't let the elitest "humans are super special!" religious morons taint the well further.