Orca Whales (Killer Whales) were
spotted yesterday of Cape Padrone. The pictures were taken by Koos Smith on the research vessel uKwabelana. The Killer whale is the top
predator in the ocean food chain and also the largest member of the dolphin
family. It is an occasional visitor to the South African shores.
Probably the best- known dolphin,
the killer whale sports black and white colouration. The head is rather cone-
shaped and without a pronounced beak, and the body appears somewhat rotund.
The dorsal fins of male and female animals are differently shaped, the males
being very tall and upright and the females being lower and more curved.
Adolescent male's fins resemble those of females.
Killer whales are highly social animals
which form long-lasting family groups. The diet of these large dolphins is very
varied, ranging from blue whales to fish, birds and seals. Group members
usually hunt as a pot.
