The real orca attack video, watch killer whale ripping apart its target; this one isn’t fake like the Jessica Radcliffe and Marina Lysaro clips

After AI-generated fake videos of marine trainers Jessica Radcliffe and Marina Lysaro being killed by orcas went viral on social media, the killer whales have grabbed eyeballs. Orcas are considered highly intelligent and social predators that are found in seas and oceans worldwide. They are usually not seen as a major threat to human beings; however, most fatal cases involving orcas have taken place in captivity.

They were named killer whales by ancient sailors who observed their groups hunting and preying on larger whale species, according to Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. They referred to orcas as ballena asesina in Spanish, meaning killer whale.

But orcas are not the only ocean dwellers who have the strength and awareness to kill their prey. They have a competition in the form of great white sharks. The two ocean giants may seem to carry some similarities, but they are very different in the way they go about their business in the water.


The viral videos claiming that orcas killed two marine trainers might have turned out to be fake, but there are several videos present all over the internet that suggest how brutal the killer whales are when it comes to ripping apart their targets.

Watch a video shared by National Geographic showing how an orca defeated a great white shark

Orcas vs Great white sharks

Orcas and great white sharks are both ocean dwellers. Amid all the apex predators underwater, these two stand out as the most formidable forces. They are known for ruling their respective domains with unmatched prowess.

While great whites prefer warmer temperatures, orcas thrive in cooler water. However, there have been times when both were seen in the same region. According to Discover Magazine, orcas, the killer whales, are stronger, bigger, and smarter, and can swim faster than great white sharks; hence, they outmatch the white sharks.

Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. They are easy to recognize due to their distinctive black and white coloration and towering dorsal fin. On the other hand, great white sharks are known for their streamlined bodies, grey coloration, and rows of serrated teeth.

As far as the diet is concerned, orcas are versatile eaters. They consume a variety of prey, including fish, seals, and even other whales, while great white sharks primarily feed on marine mammals like seals and sea lions.

Orcas live in close-knit groups called pods. They use a complex system of sounds to communicate. Great white sharks tend to be lone hunters, quietly creeping up on their prey. Orcas have a longer life span compared to white sharks. The killer whale can live up to 90 years, while white sharks have a lifespan of about 70 years.

Orcas vs Great white sharks: Size comparison

Orcas are mammals that live in groups called pods. These carnivorous animals can grow to be between 23 and 32 feet long and weigh up to 6 tons.

Great white sharks are born measuring about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) and have a growth rate of about 25 cm (9.8 in) every year, according to Shark Divers. Larger Great White females can grow up to 6.1 m (21 ft) in length and weigh in at over 2,000 kg (4,500 pounds) at maturity, according to National Geographic.