The 1980s was an iconic era for fashion, defined by bold colors, big hair and daring trends that turned heads. From neon leg warmers and acid-wash jeans to shoulder pads and parachute pants, the decade’s style was as unforgettable as it was experimental. Many of these looks became fleeting fads, embraced enthusiastically for a time before fading into the depths of pop culture history.
Interestingly, humans weren’t the only ones experimenting with quirky trends in the ’80s. Orcas, or killer whales, also adopted a bizarre behavior during this time that could only be described as a fad—balancing dead salmon on their heads like aquatic hats. Just as quickly as this trend appeared, it vanished, leaving researchers baffled and intrigued.
All It Took Was For One Brave Orca To Balance A Salmon On Her Head—And The Salmon Hat Trend Took Off
Killer whales are incredibly social and remarkably intelligent. Known for their advanced hunting strategies, orca pods display exceptional teamwork, planning, and foresight when taking down prey.
But their intelligence isn’t limited to hunting. Orcas also learn from each other, and this social learning has given rise to fascinating and often playful behaviors. Over the years, researchers have documented several orca “fads” that have come and gone, much like trends in human culture:
- Kelp draping. Orcas have been spotted draping strands of kelp over their dorsal fins or tails, seemingly just for fun.
- Wave surfing. In places like New Zealand, pods ride the waves created by passing boats, enjoying the thrill of surfing.
- Imitating dolphins. Some pods mimic the leaps and spins of dolphins, possibly as a form of social bonding or play.
In 1987, one bold orca off the coast of British Columbia took creativity to a new level by balancing a dead salmon on her head. Whether it started as a playful gesture or an attempt to engage her pod, the behavior caught on quickly. Other orcas began mimicking the act, turning it into what researchers described as the “salmon hat fad.”
For a few months, pods in the region could be spotted sporting salmon hats, a curious display of social learning and imitation. Just like fashion trends among humans, the behavior spread rapidly and disappeared just as mysteriously by the end of 1988.
Until October 25, 2024, When We Observed An Orca Balancing A Salmon On Its Head
Nearly 37 years after the salmon hat fad disappeared, it made an unexpected comeback. On October 25, 2024, a male orca known as J27, or “Blackberry,” was spotted in Puget Sound balancing a dead salmon on his head.
The 32-year-old J27 seemed completely unfazed by his unusual accessory, carrying the salmon proudly, but going by his age, it’s obvious he is too young to have picked up the salmon hat trend from any of the fashion-forward orcas from the late ’80s.
The reemergence of this behavior raises fascinating questions. Did J27 independently invent this act, or could it be an echo of cultural memory, passed down within the pod over generations?
Then there’s the question of whether this can be considered a revival of the salmon hat fad at all. No other orcas were observed mimicking or responding to the behavior, leaving researchers uncertain if this was a one-off display or the beginning of a new trend.
One Possible Reason Why Orcas Could Be Playing With Their Food
The original pod observed playing with salmon in the late 1980s was located off the coast of British Columbia and Washington state, an area home to the southern resident killer whales.
These orcas primarily feed on Chinook salmon, which are large, nutrient-rich fish and form a crucial part of their diet. The playful “salmon hat” behavior may have been a byproduct of their environment and circumstances at the time.
Since the late ’80s, when the salmon hat fad peaked, salmon populations have been on the decline in many regions around the world, including the waters around British Columbia. This decline, driven by overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change, has placed increasing pressure on orca populations that depend on salmon as a primary food source.
It’s possible that the salmon hat fad of the 1980s was a goofy response to an abundance of food. With ample access to salmon during that period, orcas may have felt less urgency to focus solely on hunting and instead indulged in playful or experimental behaviors. This behavior could have quickly spread through the pod, much like memes spread between humans today or like shoulder pads, neon leg warmers, and other quirky ’80s fads took off among people.
Puget Sound, had an healthy population of chum salmon this fall, which strengthens the argument that the recent salmon hat sighting was a goofy killer whale’s response to abundance of food. That said, there isn’t enough data to say for certain that this is the only reason for the one-off observation.
Another Possible Explanation Is That Orcas Engage in Play to Strengthen Social Bonds
The act of balancing a salmon on one’s head could serve as a form of communication, signaling playfulness or camaraderie among pod members. This behavior might have been picked up and mimicked as a way to engage socially, much like other observed fads such as kelp draping or wave surfing.
Orcas are intelligent creatures with a penchant for exploration and problem-solving. The salmon hat behavior could simply be an orca’s way of interacting with its environment out of curiosity or boredom. Much like how humans invent games or activities, orcas may engage in novel behaviors to stimulate themselves mentally.
Another intriguing possibility is that the salmon hat behavior is a display of individuality or skill. By balancing a salmon on its head, an orca might be showcasing its dexterity or attempting to stand out within the group. It might even help orcas attract mates. This could also explain why the behavior may catch on, as other orcas mimic it to demonstrate their own capabilities.
While the October 25, 2024 sighting aligns with the theory that food abundance might play a role, behaviors like the salmon hat trend also highlight the complex social dynamics, intelligence and individuality of orcas. With more data and future observations, researchers may uncover a clearer understanding of what drives these fascinating marine mammals to adopt such playful antics.
Orcas aren’t the only animals with unique quirks and playful behaviors. Just like killer whales express their individuality with salmon hats, your pet’s personality might reveal fascinating insights about their behavior and preferences. Take this Pet Personality Test to discover what makes your animal friend one of a kind.
