Orca

Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758) · Killer Whale

Conservation status in the wild

Not enough known

IUCN: Data deficient · Red List

Encyclopaedia

What is an orca?

At a glance2

1
Typical lifespan: males 29-30 years, females 50-80 years (in the wild).^[1]
2
Typical body length: males 6-8 m, females 5-7 m.^[1]

Overviewnone yet

Origins and historynone yet

Temperament and behaviournone yet

Healthnone yet

Common questionsnone yet

Fun facts6 facts

1
Resident orcas of both sexes stay with their mothers for their whole lives, a family bond unlike any other known mammal.^[1]
2
In 2025 an orca in the Salish Sea was seen rolling bull kelp around its body, the first time orcas were seen using a tool.^[1]
3
Some orcas have been seen swimming with dead salmon balanced on their heads like hats.^[1]
4
Orcas are among the few animals known to go through menopause, and wild females often live for decades afterwards.^[1]
5
Orcas in Antarctica make waves together to wash seals off floating ice and into the water.^[1]

Sources1

[1]Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

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Orca guides

Protecting and staying safe around an orca

Animal Welfarenone yet

Community Discussionsnone yet

Handling & Hygienenone yet

Legal & Rightsnone yet

Not veterinary advice. General information about this animal. If you find one injured or in trouble, contact a wildlife rescue or the RSPCA rather than handling it yourself.