Orca

Orca, also known as the “killer whale”, is a toothed whale that belongs to the dolphin family. Despite its fearsome name, the Orca is actually quite sociable and has a delightful sense of humor. Here are some fascinating facts about this amazing creature.

Physical Characteristics

The Orca can grow up to 32 feet long and weigh up to a whopping 10 tons - that’s bigger than many cars! They are known for their black and white coloring, which looks like they’re wearing a tuxedo. This explains why they are frequent guests of the fanciest marine events.

Diet

Despite what their name suggests, Orca are not necessarily “killers.” In fact, they mostly consume a diet of fish, squid, and other marine mammals like seals and sea lions. They have even been known to play with their food, throwing fish in the air and catching them in mid-air, like a kind of aquatic sushi forest.

Social Behavior

Orca are very social animals and usually form a group called a “pod,” which consists of up to 40 individuals - this is like having your own underwater boy band. They are also quite vocal and communicate with each other through a vast assortment of clicks, whistle and songs that would put any human Mother Goose to shame.

Pop Culture

Orca have become beloved creatures in popular culture, appearing in movies such as Free Willy and Blackfish. They have even been given their own emojis, so you can send your friends messages like “I’m having a whale of a time” while showing a cute little Orca jumping out of the water.

Conservation

Sadly, Orca are considered an endangered species due to factors such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Therefore, it is important that we all do our part to protect and conserve these wonderful creatures. If you ever spot one while out at sea, give them a wave and remind them that they’re not just a killer whale, but a fun-loving member of the ocean’s community. And if they wave back, we won’t tell anyone, I promise.