9 shocking facts about 'killer whale' Orcas that will leave you surprised
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Killer whales
Orcas were give the name "killer whale" by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. Orcas are still hunted in some countries, such as Greenland.
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Imitating human sounds
A research revealed that orcas are able to imitate human speech, in some cases at the first attempt, saying words such as “hello”, “one, two” and “bye bye”. Apex predators are also able to copy unfamiliar sounds produced by other orcas- including a sound similar to blowing a raspberry.
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Huge size and strength
Also known as killer whales, adult orcas are some of the biggest hunters in the ocean. Male orcas can grow as long as 9 to 10 meters and can weight more than 5 tones. Largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators, a male orca can be nearly ten meters in length and weight 10,000kg.
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One of longest gestation periods among marine animals
Orcas are swift and agile swimmers, effortlessly covering vast distances across the open ocean. Female orcas usually begin giving birth in their early teens, but each pregnancy lasts an astonishing 17 months — one of the longest gestation periods among marine animals.
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Fast swimmers
Orcas are highly intelligent and able to coordinate hunting tactics. Another astonishing fact about orcas are that they are fast swimmers and have been recorded at speeds of up to 54kph. Female orcas are thought to live to 80 years of age or more.
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Diets and migratory nature
Orcas are truly global travelers and a wild orca pod can cover over 160 kilometres a day, foraging and socialising. Orcas have very diverse diets, feasting on fish, penguins, and marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even whales, employing teeth that can be four inches long.
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Intelligent, social mammals
Orcas are highly intelligent, social mammals that have long been a part of marine park entertainment, performing shows for audiences. They have evolved to swim up to 40 miles a day, foraging for food and exercising. They dive 100 to 500 feet, several times a day, every day.
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Conscious while sleeping
The sleeping pattern of orcas are very different from humans. Killer whales have to remain conscious, even when they are sleeping. This is because their breathing is not automatic - they have to actively decide when to breath, and so they must be conscious even when sleeping.
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Unique communication style
In orca populations, knowledge is passed down to younger individuals from their elders – what to eat and were to find it, how to catch it, who to avoid, vocalisations and calls unique to pods and family groups, and the distinct ‘accent’ of the population.