The world feels very strange for most of us as we adjust to a new normal with altered routines and a different way of living. So it’s reassuring to hear reports that some traditions continue to the beat of more ancient, natural rhythms. Let’s explore the seasonal patterns of the little known orca groups of […]
The U.S. Navy recently applied for exemption under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the “incidental take” of marine mammals, in order to carry out training and testing activities in the Pacific Northwest. If approved, such activities would directly impact the endangered Southern Resident killer whales while traveling through or foraging in the Navy’s area […]
Although it is a large-scale human tragedy, the COVID-19 pandemic also presents some researchers with an unprecedented opportunity to see how nature responds when human activity slows. This question is especially important for whales. >> read more …
Some Northwest residents don’t do social distancing well, which leaves them vulnerable to an outbreak of a highly contagious respiratory virus. These residents are orcas. The virus is called cetacean morbillivirus. >> read more …
A group of orcas has been spotted off the North East coast. More commonly known as killer whales, the ‘pod’ was captured on camera by Edward Sinclair – a lobster fisherman. >> read more …
SeaWorld San Diego has so far refused to release Corky, who was caught off the coast of Canada in 1969 aged four and is now the oldest captive killer whale in the world
The Russian federal government has approved the inclusion of mammal-eating orcas into the Russian Red Book of Endangered Species – this is a state document listing endangered species and it is illegal to capture any species that is included in the Red Book. >> read more …
These amazing pics of a pod of killer whales, including a calf, were taken from the photographer’s garden overlooking the sea in Scotland. >> read more …
From the Gikumi research vessel, the UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit and the Hakai Institute headed out on the Salish Sea and off the central coast of British Columbia to study the foraging behaviors of resident killer whales. >> read more …
According to reports, Viktoria Abramchenko, the Deputy Prime Minister in Russia responsible for environmental affairs, has announced that transient orcas are going to be added to the country’s Red Data Book of endangered species. >> read more …
A male orca, commonly known as Riptide, has been spotted in waters around Beirut, Lebanon, on February 19th and 20th after completing what is thought to be a record breaking journey. >> read more …
Orcas, like us, live long lives, are highly intelligent and have very sociable natures. They live in tight-knit groups, have rich dialects and a complex culture. Some orca populations are more tightly bonded than humans, with both males and females staying with their mother for their entire lives.