Orca

Orca or ‘killer whales’ might be one of the most well-known and distinctive creatures that we encounter on our voyages to Antarctica. Identifiable by their distinguishing black and white markings, Orca are often spotted hunting and sometimes even putting on a show for our guests by breaching, spy-hopping or slapping their tails. Referred to as ‘sea wolves’, these whales are ferocious and intelligent hunters. Working together in their pods, they effectively design hunting patterns to bring down their prey. Let’s learn more about these awesome mammals!

Pod of Orca in Cooper Bay

Orca Quick Overview

Questions Guests Ask About Orca

What does a killer whale look like?

They are instantly recognisable by their sleek black bodies with large white spots around their eyes and on their bellies. The black-and-white colours help this baleen blend in both from above and below. The dark colour on the back matches the dark surface of the sea, while the bright underside is visible from below against the lighter sky and sunlight. They have a tall dorsal fin and are known for being more ‘stocky’ than other whales, which are quite long and sleek by comparison.

How much does an orca weigh?

These giants are the largest mammal-eating predators that have ever lived. Male orcas are significantly larger than females with a larger and more prominent dorsal fin. Males typically measure about 6-7 m and weigh 4-6 tonnes however, the largest ever recorded measured 9,8 m (32 ft) and weighed more than 10 tonnes (22,050 lb). Females are usually 5-6 m long and weigh between 1.5 and 3.6 tonnes, while the record is 8.5 m (28 ft) and 7.5 tonnes (16,500 lbs). Additionally, a baby orca, or calf, weighs about 180 kg (395 lbs) at birth.

What do orca whales eat?

With their rows of sharp, conical teeth and their pack-hunting behaviour, killer whales are known to charge animals resting on sea ice, creating a large wave that knocks prey into the water where others of their pod are waiting. Some animals are chased to the point of exhaustion, then attacked and beaten by their tails and teeth. So, which animals are we talking about? Scientists have discovered the following in its stomach: fish, squid, seals, sea lions, walruses, birds, sea turtles, otters, penguins, other whales, polar bears, and lizards! It can also consume carrion, and traces of its own species, which may have been carcasses, have also been found. Among the more unusual meals reported are blue whales and great white sharks. Fish are generally the most important source of nutrition, but marine mammals and squid also play a major role.

Where are the orcas spotted?

These whales are the most widely spread mammals after human beings and can be found in the cold waters of both the North and South Poles. Though found in every ocean, Orcas are most densely populated in the Southern Ocean, typically favouring cooler seas around Antarctica. They are also often seen in warmer waters such as around Hawaii, Australia, Galápagos, and Bahamas, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and even upstream in rivers, for example, 177 km upstream of the Columbia River, and in the Rhine, the Thames, and Elbe. They prefer areas above the continental shelf, at depths of less than 200 metres where many fish are found, but avoid pack ice. In Canada and along the west coast of America, they follow seals and grey whales, while in the North Atlantic, they mostly follow herring.

Are orca whales dangerous to humans?

Despite their name, orca attacks on humans in the wild are unknown. On the other hand, despite orcas being apex hunters and having no natural predators, parasites, cancer-related diseases, stomach ulcers, atherosclerosis, and similar conditions are all factors that increase their mortality.

Are orca whales dolphins?

Yes! Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family (Delphinidae). They share common features like conical teeth, advanced echolocation, and social behavior.

How fast can an orca swim?

Orca are fast swimmers and are is one of the fastest swimmers among the whales. It can travel at a speed of almost 50 km/h (31 mph), but it is rare for it to accelerate to this speed, which can only be maintained for a short time. In general, it swims at a speed of 3 to 10 km/h.

How do orcas live and socialize in the wild?

Orcas are highly social animals that live in close-knit familial pods, typically structured around the female line, forming what is known as a matriarchal society. These pods can include up to 50 individuals and often maintain strong bonds throughout their lives, with some orcas living up to 90 years. Different pods may be related and occasionally join together to form larger social units known as ‘clans’. Each pod has its own unique language, allowing members to communicate and maintain group identity. Orca mothers give birth to a single calf roughly every five years, and the task of raising the young is shared by the entire pod.

Orca pod seen in Bransfield, near the north tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

How Many of These 10 Orca Facts Did You Already Know?

1. Adult animals consume 3-4% of their body weight daily, but during the growth period, 10% is required.
2. Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family.
3. The females reach sexual maturity between six and ten years of age, while the males mature at ten to thirteen years.
4. Newborn calves weigh 130-180 kg and are approximately 2.5 m in length.
5. Whales lack vocal cords, and their sounds are produced by air in the throat and nasal cavity.
6. Inside the orca eye, there is a gland that secretes an oily liquid that helps streamline it while swimming, and may also have disinfectant properties.
7. The pregnancy lasts 17 months, which is the longest of any whales.
8. They have 40-56 conical teeth, each about 7.5 cm long from the gums.
9. These ballen can effortlessly swallow an entire seal!
10. Killer whale hearing ranges from 0.5 to 125 kHz.