THE KILLER WHALE.
Killer whale! Wait, what? Don't fret. The Orca; Orchinus orca, also as known the 'Killer whale' isn't your typical object of horror. This sea dwelling mammal isn't a serious threat to humans. Endowed with a black back, white chest and sides, and white patches behind and above the eyes, these glossy oceanic dolphins are apex predators in the marine kingdom. Yes, not even the fearsome great white shark is safe. At an average body length of 7m for males and 6m for females, and an average weight of 6 tons (6000kg) in the former and 4 tons (4000kg) in the latter, these proud animals rule the waters.
Males mature at 15yrs but do not mate until after 21yrs, and they typically live for up to 40yrs. Females mature at 10yrs, and mate till they are 40yrs of age. Then menopause sets in. Yea, Orca females also experience decline in fertility. The killer whale may live for 70yrs.
Orcas are highly intelligent animals, skilled hunters and excellent at communicating. An orca might chase a prey to exhaustion or drown it, and they consume about 227kg of food daily.
Orcas can conveniently take down sharks, as well as other whales and sea animals almost their size. They often like to target the liver of great white sharks. An orca may kill a deer or a penguin that comes too close. Notably, they also harass and bully seals and porpoises for no apparent reasons.
Despite the humongous whale-man body ratio, human attacks are rare and often non-fatal. Except in captivity when a killer whale may react to stress, orcas will not bother to hunt a human. So, when next you meet a killer whale, you may give it a hug.
Orcas are highly intelligent animals, skilled hunters and excellent at communicating. An orca might chase a prey to exhaustion or drown it, and they consume about 227kg of food daily.
Orcas can conveniently take down sharks, as well as other whales and sea animals almost their size. They often like to target the liver of great white sharks. An orca may kill a deer or a penguin that comes too close. Notably, they also harass and bully seals and porpoises for no apparent reasons.
Despite the humongous whale-man body ratio, human attacks are rare and often non-fatal. Except in captivity when a killer whale may react to stress, orcas will not bother to hunt a human. So, when next you meet a killer whale, you may give it a hug.
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