Characteristics

 

Characteristics

The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a seaborn mammal, closely related to dolphins (Delphinidae). Perhaps the best known of all Cetaceans, the Orca is widely known for its:

  • colors: black & white
  • size: females: 16 - 19 ft; males: 19 - 22 ft
  • speed: 28 mph
  • blowhole: top of the head; for breathing

 

Nutrition

A top predator, the killer whale tracks down and hunts its prey in pods consisting of 40 - 50 whales. Although it's diet varies by location, their food sources mostly consists of small marine mammals, such as:

  • seals
  • sea lions
  • sea otters
  • dolphins
  • penguins
  • fish

They locate food sources by a series of rapid, high-frequency clicks called echolocation. This provides data that the whale is then able to translate into information of the surrounding vicinity. Therefore, orcas are able to navigate through even the darkest ocean depths.

 


Migration

There are three distinct and different populations of orca:

  • resident
  • transient
  • offshore

Resident: travel in pods of 6 - 50 whales; feed on salmon

Transient: travel in small groups of 1- 5; feed on marine mammals

Offshore: travel in pods; live in open ocean; feed on fish

Habitat

The killer whale can be found in all oceans of the world, but they prefer the polar regions around the Arctic and Antartica. They are usually seen within 500 miles of the coast and live in deep waters. Migration is determined by food availability and severity of ice formation in the cold Arctic waters.

 

 

In Captivity

Orcas are a main attraction in marine theme parks around the world. They are commonly identified with famous killer whales such as Shamu, Keiko, and Free Willy. They are trained to perform daily shows.

Many animal rights representatives argue that it is wrong to keep these whales in captivity. However, Sea World claims to take excellent care of its animals, due to its making millions of dollars annually off of shows and animal merchandise.

video: Orcas in Sea World

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