Fun Facts

Killer whales got their name because sailors witnessed them attack larger cetaceans, so they were named "whale killers" and it was later changed to "killer whales."

Killer whales aren't whales - they're dolphins.

Orcas are the largest of the dolphin species.

They have the "second largest [/heaviest] brains in the animal kingdom" (Animal Planet).

Orcas are the most prevalent mammal to exist besides humans, and are "found in all the world's oceans" according to Protect the Ocean organization.

Killer whales are thought to be the"most contaminated mammals in the world" due to pollution. 

It can reach speeds up to 35 mph.

"Orca groups are divided into pods, clans and communities," (Mother Nature Network).

Pods travel in matriline - females lead their sons and daughters and never stay apart for more than a few hours. 

Up to 4 generations of killer whales travel in a group.

Killer whales hunt in pods and are often said to be "wolves of the sea," (National Geographic Kids).

"Orcas are one of only three animal species on the planet to go through menopause," (Mother Nature Network).

Killer whale whistles are from a range of 0.5 to 40 kHz, with pods speaking in different dialects.