At the ripe old age of 6, thanks to the 1993 movie Free Willy, I realised the magnetic draw of the ocean and how I felt the intense desire to understand the lives and dynamics of sea creatures, especially those tagged with harmful human intent. In this instance, the orcinus orca, also known as the Killer Whale. According to the National Geographic write-up on orca, they are “the largest of the dolphins and one of the world’s most powerful predators. They feast on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even whales, employing teeth that can be four inches (ten centimeters) long”. Moreover, Physorg claimed that orca “have the second-biggest brains among all ocean mammals, weighing as much as 15 pounds”, making them one of the most intelligent sea creatures.
Upon research for this blog entry, I chanced upon 2 videos that illustrated the ranging behaviours that orca exhibit. The first demonstrated the orca’s social structure, which is mostly based on matriliny, and their intelligent hunting strategies. Lining up in a straight line, they charge towards the ice, creating waves to send their prey across the ice and into the water, right into their stomachs. This above strategy is used, mostly to teach the young how to hunt. Moreover, it is so rare, it has only been documented 13 times. The second video shows the softer side of these behemoth creatures, capable of possessing a playful and interactive nature.
Contrary to belief, “attacks on humans by wild killer whales are rare and are usually blamed on the animals mistaking people for prey” (Guardian Newspaper). Personally, I do not agree with the captivity of wild sea animals and using them for entertainment purposes as they belong out in the wild and with their families. A good example would be the recent death of a Sea World trainer, Dawn Brancheau, who was drowned by an orca who had been in captivity for the past 3 decades.
References:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/killer-whale/
National Geographic
Killer Whale Orca
Last Accessed: 29th March 2010
http://www.physorg.com/news187298115.html
Physorg.com: Science, Physics, Tech, Nano, News
How smart are killer whales? Orcas have 2nd-largest brains of all marine mammals
Last Accessed: 29th March 2010
Youtube
Animal Planet: Untamed, Uncut Season 1, Episode 2 – Orcas Attack Seal
Last Accessed: 29th March 2010
Youtube
Orca (Killer Whale) and dog – Read the details!
Last Accessed: 29th March 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/25/killer-whale-species-seaworld
Guardian Newspaper
Killer whales rarely attack humans
Last Accessed: 29th March 2010