Learn All About The Killer Whale

By, Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer

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Is an Orca a Whale or Dolphin?

Did you know that the Killer Whale or Orca is the largest species of dolphin? They have 4 inch teeth unlike any other dolphin species, which you may have seen while reading a book or in a magazine. There a three groups of pods or herds that the orcas may live in and they eat differently as well. One is called transient and another being called resident, as well as the off shore group.

What does it look like?

The Killer Whale is identified by its black and white markings along with flippers on each side of the Orca, as well as a prominent dorsal fin. These majestic yet dangerous creatures are nicknamed, the cows of the sea. According to National Geographic (2012), these mammals can reach 22-32 feet long and weigh up to six tons. These mammals can live up to 40 to 60 years, but only when they are not killed due to whales and dolphin hunting.

What does it eat?

These majestic mammals are predators, who hunt for marine mammals like seals or sea lions.  According to National Geographic (2102), two Orcas will hit the iceberg causing it to rock back and forth. Unfortunately, this rocking motion causes it prey like a seal or sea lion to lose its footing. Then, the prey slides into the Orca’s mouth or into the water, where both whales will play with it and they slap it between each other enormous tails. The resident killer whale will main eat fish like salmon, but the transient whales will eat other animals like sharks or sea lions.

What is a pod?

According to National Geographic (2012), this whale hunts in a large group of whales, which is called a pod or a herd. According to Victoria Water Front Tours (2012), there are three types of pods like resident, transient, and offshore. Some Resident pods have up to 40 Orca’s in one herd and they travel specific places to eat fish like salmon. Scientist do not know much about offshore pods, so the last one is called  a Transient which has about 10 orcas who hunt animals from place to place.

Can they reproduce?

Orca’s can reproduce about every 3 to 10 years and stay they stay pregnant about 17 months and the babies are called calves. Orca mothers are protective over their calves and other young females help the mother out as needed. Babies have been born in captivity or aquariums like the amusement parks of Sea World and Sea Land. One famous calf was born into captivity has been named Shamu and performs for the audience at Sea World in Orlando, Florida.

Are they kept in captivity?

There are several orcas being held in captivity at aquarium and places like Sea World or Sea Land. The dorsal fin of a captive whale will bend over and stay that way, but these enormous mammals live in small aquariums. These intelligent mammals are trained, in order to perform in an aquatic themed show. The trainers are no longer allowed to be in the water with these giant unpredictable creatures.

 Are they dangerous to humans?

Yes, this massive species of dolphins are very dangerous to humans, even the trainers they work with at the amusement parks every day. Recently, according to Associated Press (2012), a trainer was drowned to death while a horrified audience watched the tragedy at Sea World in Orlando, Florida. In fact, Legacy.com (2012) the recent death of a trainer named Dawn Brancheau, has caused OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) to begin an investigation and Sea World has asked the trainers not to swim with the Killer Whales during their shows.

References

National Geographic (2012) Killer Whales (Orca)

Retrieved from the World Wide Web on October 20, 2012

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/killer-whale/

Victoria Water Front Tours (2012) 10 Cool Facts about Killer Whales

Retrieved from the World Wide Web on October 20, 2012

http://www.victoriawaterfronttours.com/whalefacts.htm

Associated Press (2012) SeaWorld Fights OSHA Findings in Trainer's Death

Retrieved from the World Wide Web on October 20, 2012

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/18/seaworld-fights-osha-findings-in-trainers-death/

Legacy.com (2012) Dawn Brancheau

Retrieved from the World Wide Web on October 20, 2012

http://www.legacy.com/NS/Obituary.aspx?pid=140006723

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