![]() ![]() Cold-water upwelling occurs in areas where deep-sea currents push cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface. Killer whales frequently inhabit coastal and offshore seas, particularly areas of cold-water upwelling. When viewing the whale from above, the dark coloration of its back helps it blend in with the dark depths below. When viewing the whale from below, the light coloration of its stomach helps it blend in with the sunlight above them. Built-In Camouflage – Though they may not look it, killer whales are actually very well camouflaged in the water! Because they are dark on top, and light on their stomach, they have a type of camouflage called countershading.They can be trained to do virtually anything! Regular medical samples help keep the killer whales happy and healthy. Some medical procedures the animals are taught to voluntarily participate in include blood draws, breath samples, urine samples, fecal samples, weighing, stomach tube insertion, transport/crate/stretcher, and physical examinations. Husbandry Behaviors – Whales, dolphins, and many other species in zoos and aquariums, are taught to voluntarily participate in their own care – also known as husbandry behaviors.Less time eating equals less energy, less energy equals lower reproduction and survival rates overall. In fact, research shows that killer whales are spending less time feeding due to whale watching ships. This attraction is not a harmless tourist activity. Boats packed to the rails with tourists cruise into the open ocean, hoping for a glimpse of wild whales. Whale Watching, the “Harmless” Pastime – Over the past decade or so, whale watching has become increasingly popular.Killer whales are actually the largest members of the dolphin family. ![]() Many, but not all, toothed whales share the family Delphinidae. Baleen whales feed by filtering fish out of mouthfuls of water through modified plates of baleen “teeth.” Toothed whales have conical shaped teeth used to grab fish, and are commonly referred to as “dolphins.” Killer whales are more closely related to bottlenose dolphins than humpback whales, because they share the family Delphinidae. The typical “true” whale, such as blue and humpback whales, are baleen whales. Killer Whales are Actually Giant Dolphins – Just like the sperm whale, killer whales are not “true” whales at all – they are toothed whales.Learn more about these fascinating marine mammals below: Both in human care and in the wild, people flock to catch a glimpse of the amazing killer whale. Because orcas are so intelligent, they have the wonderful ability to spark human interest. ![]()
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