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[00:00.40] It looks like some kind of underwater ballet: two killer whales rubbing their bodies together as they move through the water.

[00:07.83] What's trickier to see in this new research footage, that was captured by scientists using drones, is a piece of kelp between the bodies of the two animals.

[00:16.33] The scientists don't know if this seaweed tool use is unique to the population of orcas they've studied, a group known as the Southern Resident Killer Whales, but they think it could have multiple benefits for the animals.

[00:27.49] In 12 days of following these killer whales the researchers saw kelp rubbing 30 times.

[00:33.33] They hope that this new intimate insight into the lives of these magnificent but threatened animals will help highlight the importance of protecting the coastal waters where they live, hunt and often massage one another.