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Orca (Orcinus orca): Difference between revisions
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== Hunting == | == Hunting == | ||
Orcas are precise and efficient hunters that use different strategies depending on their prey and | Orcas are precise and efficient hunters that use different strategies depending on their prey and region<ref name=":3">[https://wearesonar.org/2015/06/08/three-amazing-orca-hunting-strategies/ Three Amazing Orca Hunting Strategies] We Are Sonar</ref>. They feed on over 140 species, including great white sharks, which they rip open for their livers and hearts¹. They can flip the sharks over to induce a state of paralysis and make them easy to eat<ref name=":3" />. They can also come ashore to hunt seals and sea lion pups, hiding their dorsal fins and beaching themselves<ref name=":3" />. | ||
Some Antarctic orcas use the cunning tactic of regularly hunting in packs and making waves to wash seals off floating ice⁶. These hunting techniques are almost ritualistic and are passed down from generation to generation. | Some Antarctic orcas use the cunning tactic of regularly hunting in packs and making waves to wash seals off floating ice⁶. These hunting techniques are almost ritualistic and are passed down from generation to generation. | ||
== Captivity == | == Captivity == | ||
Orcas have been captured from the wild for display in captive facilities since the 1960's.<ref name=":4">[https://www.orcaaware.org/orca-captivity.html Orca Captivity] Orca Aware</ref> The first orca to be captured in [[1961]] was found off the coast of California and given the name [[Wanda - orca|Wanda]].<ref name=":4" /> [[List of living captive orcas|Many orcas are held in captivity]] for breeding or performance purposes<ref name=":5">[https://uk.whales.org/our-4-goals/end-captivity/orca-captivity/ Fate of orcas in captivity] Whale and Dolphin Conservation. </ref>. They soon became popular attractions at public aquariums and aquatic theme parks due to their intelligence, trainability, striking appearance, playfulness, and sheer size<ref name=":5" />. | Orcas have been captured from the wild for display in captive facilities since the 1960's.<ref name=":4">[https://www.orcaaware.org/orca-captivity.html Orca Captivity] Orca Aware</ref> The first orca to be captured in [[:Category:1961|1961]] was found off the coast of California and given the name [[Wanda - orca|Wanda]].<ref name=":4" /> [[List of living captive orcas|Many orcas are held in captivity]] for breeding or performance purposes<ref name=":5">[https://uk.whales.org/our-4-goals/end-captivity/orca-captivity/ Fate of orcas in captivity] Whale and Dolphin Conservation. </ref>. They soon became popular attractions at public aquariums and aquatic theme parks due to their intelligence, trainability, striking appearance, playfulness, and sheer size<ref name=":5" />. | ||
The practice of keeping orcas in captivity is harmful to the animals due to the separation from their familial pod during capture, and their living conditions and health in captivity.<ref name=":5" /> | The practice of keeping orcas in captivity is harmful to the animals due to the separation from their familial pod during capture, and their living conditions and health in captivity.<ref name=":5" /> | ||