Killer Whales

By: Chandler Paul

3/8/11

Introduction to Killer Whales

Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, rule the
sea. The only dangersthey face are
humans, as there is no other creature in the
sea that could possibly be a threat to them.
Killer Whales are top predators capable of
attack even other species of whales and
several other sea mammals like seals or sea
lions. Still, they are considered one of the
most magnificent animals in the world.

Killer Whale Anatomy

Killer whales belong to the order Delphinidae, so they
are actually dolphins, even though they are called
Whales. In fact, Killer Whales are the largest dolphin,
since they are 30 feet long and 10,000 pounds in
average when they are fully grown.
According to scientific research, male killer whales can
live as long as 60 years, while female killer whales reach
up to 90 years old.
The look of the killer whales is also very attractive and
interesting with a combination of black with white parts
giving killer whales an unparallel appearance.

 Killer Whales have a large sickle shaped dorsal

fin, and large flippers that are typical of all
dolphins. This dorsal fin is located at the top of
the killer whales and they are easily seen when
the killer whales are close, because large males
can have dorsal fins as long as six feet tall.
Killer whales are great swimmers as most
dolphins, reaching travel speeds up to 30 miles
per hour.
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.

Killer Whale Social Life

Killer whales live grouped 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.

Killer Whale Reproduction

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.
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.

Killer whale Feeding

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.

Killer Whale Communication

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

Killer Whale Habitat

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.

Why are Killer Whales

Endangered?
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. Many of
the killer whales are struck by vessels or
entangled in fishing gear. The killer whales are
often victims of whaling vessels and illegal whale
hunting.