Orca: The Killer Whale

Orca: The Whale Called Killer

Few animals have the power to evoke such a range of strong emotions as a single wild killer whale spouting in the distance. When these majestic creatures engage in close-up breaches and spyhops, and communicate through vocal exchanges, whether in a large pod or a superpod, the emotions they stir are profound. Even veteran researchers are not immune to their captivating presence.

After years of living among orcas, one scientist declared that the ultimate model for how to lead one's life was to learn from "orca." This was not a reference to the killer whales that strip large whales of their blubber and rip out their tongues, or those that toss porpoises high into the air before swallowing them. Rather, the scientist was inspired by the way these social creatures work, play, rest, and travel together in harmony.

Orcas possess remarkable abilities, including superhero-like speed, strength, and coordinated hunting and feeding skills. They also display a highly social, loyal, and gentle nature within their communities—their breeding groups. They are eager learners when young and assume a teaching role later in life, making them a paragon for successful living.

Yet, the lives of these big social predators are becoming increasingly challenging. The human footprint reaches every corner of the Earth and the ocean. One by one, from tigers and great apes to whales and sharks, predators are being "killed off" in a manner that evokes Hollywood terminology.

Surprising developments are occurring through research into killer whales and in the developing human relationship with them. At a time when public affection for orcas has never seemed greater, they face threats from overfishing, noise, pollution, and habitat degradation in some parts of the world. The specter of climate change, pollution, and acidification in the ocean also loom large. While killer whale numbers may appear healthy overall, a closer look at the small size of individual populations—the breeding units—exposes their vulnerability.

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