![]() In New Zealand, vessels must keep at least 50m away from a killer whale in other countries such as Canada, that increases to 400m. That includes sticking to whale watching guidelines set by local governments. The best whale watching experiences help you understand behaviours like this while keeping the animals’ best interests at the heart of the trip. Other researchers insist that it’s simply curiosity – play behaviour passed between orcas. Some researchers theorise it could be a defensive action that started in one orca that others are mimicking. In Wellington, you might see orcas enjoying their seasonal feast of stingrays, which they dig out of the sand in spring and summer.Īnd along the Iberian Peninsula, orcas have developed an interest in boat hulls. In Antarctica, killer whales have learned to work together to create waves that sweep seals off ice floes (watch them in action in Frozen Planet II on TVNZ). ![]() ![]() In Canada, I watched orcas that have perfected the art of hunting massive Pacific salmon. If you want to see Orcas in the wild, make sure to do it responsibly. They also pass on much of their knowledge to their pod, including hunting techniques and vocal dialects. The top predator of the sea, orcas have incredibly intricate social structures. They’re researchers, scientists, educators and campaigners who can teach you about the behaviours you’re observing – and how, often, these habits are completely unique to the area. The best whale watching guides have many strings to their bows. ![]() There, her calf would pick up all the hunting skills needed to survive. This orca was from the endangered “southern resident” population, likely on her way to rejoin her pod for the start of the salmon run. The skipper lingered at a respectful (and legally required) distance while the orca swam on, scything through the water with calf in tow.Īll the while, the on-board marine biologist narrated what we were witnessing, laying out a nautical chart and a killer whale family tree for a breezy lesson at sea. While whale watching in Canada, I was lucky enough to encounter an orca and her calf. ![]() Orcas are truly extraordinary – and spending time in their presence is exciting, humbling and, for many, a life-changing experience. Seeing orcas in the wild, where they belong But what is happening? Responsible whale watching tours can help provide some context. ![]()
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