Killer whales are apex predators that rule the oceans, feeding on fish, sharks, seals, sea lions and other marine animals. They live in socially complex family pods that work together to hunt and care for young. As the largest member of the dolphin family, killer whales are highly intelligent, using sounds to communicate over long distances. However, they are now endangered due to threats from human activities such as pollution, fishing gear and whaling.

1. The Killer Whale
Created by Elizabeth Mangan
Information Retrieved from Chandler Paul’s Presentation

2. Killer Whales are the top predators in the sea. They are capable of attacks on
other species of whales and several other sea animals like seals, sea lions,
penguins, sting rays and even sharks. Still, they are considered one of the most
magnificent animals in the world.
Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, rule the sea. The only dangers they face are
humans, as there is no other creature in the sea that is a threat to them.

3. According to scientific research, male killer whales can live as long as 60 years,
while female killer whales reach up to 90 years old.
Killer whales are great swimmers reaching travel speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Killer whales are actually dolphins, even though they are called “Whales”. In fact,
Killer Whales are the largest dolphin! They are 30 feet long and 10,000 pounds in
average when they are fully grown.

4. Killer Whales have a large sickle shaped dorsal fin,
and large flippers. This dorsal fin is located at the top
of the killer whales and they are easily seen when the
killer whales are close. Large males can have dorsal
fins as long as six feet tall!
As dolphins, killer whales have one blow hole at the top of
their heads, and they breathe air in above the surface of the
water through this blow hole.
The look of the killer whales is also very attractive and
interesting with a combination of black with white parts
giving killer whales an unparalleled appearance.

5. Killer whales live in small pods which operate with a sophisticated social structure.
These pods are formed by groups from 6 to 40 killer whales and they stay together
during their whole life.
Killer whale pods perform complex tasks which include protection for the young, sick
or injured as well as team work for hunting

6. The breeding season for killer whales range from winter to early spring and it is usually performed in
warm waters. Calves are born between October and March after a gestation period of 16-17 months.
Calves are born typically weighing 400 pounds and measuring from 6 to 8 feet long and they are
able to swim beside their mother within thirty minutes of being born. In most cases, each female
only gives birth to one calf.
After birth, calves are nursed by their mothers and midwives for up to 12 months and sometimes
even longer until they are able to take care of themselves.

7. Killer whales usually survive on a diet of fish, squid, sharks, whales, seals, sea turtles,
octopus, penguins, and sea gulls.
They have powerful teeth which typically are about 3 inches long, and 1 inch in
diameter.
A common killer whale usually eats 550 pounds of food each day at least and they can
travel hundreds of miles in order to catch seasonal prey.

8. Killer whales make a variety of sounds which include clicks, whistles, and screams.
These sounds are used to communicate with each other when hunting, mating or just
to “talk”. Each pod even has its own characteristic sounds, which help members to
recognize each other.

9. Killer Whales are found in every ocean in the world as they can be found in tropical
waters, as well as arctic waters. They can be found near coastal waters, as well as
deep waters.

10. Many people often wonder why are killer whales endangered if they are so unique?
Sadly, there are many threats to the endangered killer whales that drastically decrease their
population numbers.
Many contaminants in the oceans kill the whales, causing their numbers to diminish. The
contaminants often include oil spills, whales are struck by vessels or entangled in fishing
gear. The killer whales are also often victims of whaling vessels and illegal whale hunting.