2. Orcas, or killer whales,
are the largest of the
dolphins and one of the
3. Facts:
• Weight: 22,000 pounds.
• Length : 32 feet.
• Appearance: Black on top with
white undersides
and white patches near their eyes.
• Life Span: Males typically live
about
30 years, but Females can live as
long as
50-60 years.
• Diet: Fish, squid, sea lions, and
4. Communication:
• Killer whales produce 3
categories of sounds:
1.Clicks – navigation, objects in
the surrounding environment,
and for prey.
2.Whistles – social activities
3.Pulsed calls – vocalization
6. Sexual Maturity:
Sexual maturity of a female
killer whale is achieved when
the wale reach lengths of 15-
18 feet, and may give birth at
any time. Calves are nursed
for about 1 year and may be
7. Killer whales are most
abundant in colder
waters, including
Antarctica, Norway, and
Alaska. Killer whales are
found in all parts of the
oceans and in most seas
from the Arctic to the
Antarctic.
8. Classification:
• Resident orcas are lovable and live in
large family-centered pods that tend to
stay in one area. They are the star
attraction at SeaWorld.
• Transient orcas are often found in long-
term stable social units They are quiet
and very sneaky, not many scientists
know much about these particular
group.
