Category: killer whale

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Killer whales trapped in drift ice off the coast of Hokkiaido in Japan have got free

This pod of Orca have been trapped, with only this small opening to breathe from. Unlike other marine mammals, orca generally stay close to the surface, and breathe regularly, which can make this a death trap.

While Orca have been timed, holding their breathe for 15 minutes, they usually take shallow dives of up to a minute, or deeper dives lasting 3-4 minutes. While Orca can hit speeds of almost 30 miles per hour, this is usually only over short distances, and they could not sustain this for long under water – especially without being able to take a breathe.

Thankfully, in the last few hours, these animals have managed to get free.

Orca or Killer whales

Orca by Robert Pittman NOAA

Orca or Killer whale

As this species is a member of Cetacea, not carnivora. Never-the-less, this is the largest clear predator on the planet.

They are found in all of the worlds oceans. What is incredible, is that other apex predators, like the great white are rendered prey, simply be the arrival of Orcas on the scene.

One such example, is the arrival of the Orcas in South Africa. The great white sharks have vanished. While there are suggestions that they have not gone far (perhaps merely into the depths of the waters nearby)  it is clear that after a number were killed by the orcas they have given way.

They are not actually whales, being the largest member of the Oceanic Dolphin family, and as such appear to have the brainpower to defeat almost anything when they put their mind to it. As well as great white sharks, Orca will also hunt all of the baleen whales, including the blue whale which is the largest animal to ever roam the earth. They will also regularly hunt toothed whales such as false killer whales.

Each pod is lead by a dominant female, and these animals can live to be 50-90 years old. While this species eats a wide variety of fish, sharks, rays and marine mammals such as seals, other species of dolphins and whales, generally these animals specialize. Some generally eat fish, while others hunt mammals.

They have a wide range of hunting techniques, from polar orca working together to create waves to wash seals off icebergs, to intentionally beaching themselves in Argentina, to grab seals from the beach. Each group is capable of coming up with their own techniques which are taught to future generations.

Below you will find any articles from the blog, which mention the Killer whale (or Orca). Below that is a video of this species (it is a 50 minute documentary on this species). Below that, we will add any links which will allow you to try to see this species for yourself.

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