In a dramatic and rare incident, a pod of over 60 orcas, also known as killer whales, have been spotted attacking and killing a pygmy blue whale off the coast of Western Australia. The event, which took place in Bremer Canyon on April 7, has been described as only the fourth recorded instance of orcas hunting a blue whale, adding to the awe surrounding the apex predators of the ocean.
The pygmy blue whale, a smaller subspecies of the blue whale — the largest animal on Earth — is listed as endangered. The attack was witnessed by a nearby whale-watching tour group. According to reports, the killer whales chased the lone whale, exhausting it before eventually devouring it.
“The intense ordeal lasted less than 40 minutes from when we first saw the blue at the surface to when the battle was over. As the blue whale’s fate was sealed, orcas celebrated with breaches and tail slaps,” stated Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching, who were present during the event.
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This marked the fourth documented instance of orcas hunting a blue whale in the region, further emphasizing their role as apex predators. The orcas displayed a highly coordinated attack, with over 30 of them converging on the whale as it struggled to escape.
The extraordinary hunting prowess of orcas has previously been demonstrated in another rare event. Last November, scientists documented orcas hunting and killing whale sharks, the largest shark species. They used a unique technique, focusing on the pelvic area and attacking with high-speed precision to bleed out the massive creatures.
Known for their black-and-white coloration, orcas are the largest of the dolphin species. They are formidable apex predators that hunt cooperatively in pods of up to 40 individuals. Their diverse diet includes fish, penguins, sea lions, and even other whales, making them one of the most successful and deadly predators in the ocean.
