Orcas, also known as killer whales, are found in every ocean. Males can reach up to 23 feet and 10 tons, while females grow to 21 feet and 8 tons. Orcas live in family groups called pods and are apex predators that eat seals, penguins, and fish depending on their location. While orcas are only hunted by humans, some are still held in captivity for amusement parks, though live shows have been phased out since concerns over their treatment arose.

1. Orcas
WOLVES OF THE SEA

3. Range
Orcas are found in
every ocean in the
world.

4. Males
Can weigh up to 10 tons
and reach lengths of 23 feet.
Females
Can weigh up to 8 tons
And reach lengths of 21 feet.
Calves
Are born weighing nearly 400
pounds and measure almost 7
feet long

5. Orcas live in
matriarchal
family groups
called pods

6. Diet:
Orcas are apex predators. They eat many different animals
depending on their location.
Seals Penguins Fish

7. Humans are the only animal that hunt Orcas
Orcas have been captured and sold to amusement parks such
as SeaWorld since 1961.

8. There are currently a total of 56 orcas held in captivity (23 wild-
captured plus 33 captive-born) in at least 12 marine parks in 8
countries.

9. SeaWorld agreed to ban
live Orca shows in 2015,
after the documentary
Blackfish exposed the
deaths of several Orca
handlers.

10. References
Defenders of wildlife.(2016).Basic facts about orcas. Retrieved from
http://www.defenders.org/orca/basic-facts
Killer-whale.org (2008). What do killer whales eat? Retrieved from http://killer- whale,org/what-do-
killer-whales-eat/
Viegas, J. (2015). SeaWorld ends killer whale shows as federal ban looms. Discovery News.
Retrieved from http://news.discovery.com/animals/whales-dolphins.federal-bill- would-ban-killer-
whale-shows-151109.htm