Archive for category Killer Whales

Killer Whale Facts

Killer Whales are beautiful creatures and so its no wonder that most want to know more about these amazing aquatic mammals. We’ve probably all visited a sea world centre and watched a killer whale perform tricks. They are brilliant at it. But where can you find them in the wild and what else do we know about them?

Firstly before we go on….They are perhaps misunderstood given their name – “Killer Whale” Due to their size, they are at the top of the food chain in the ocean, meaning they survive by eating dolphins, seals and even large whales. They do not generally eat humans, which their title perhaps suggests.

Here are some fast killer whale facts:

  • In the Wild they live to be about 50 years old but can live up to the age of 80 or even 90
  • Some species of Killer Whales are becoming extinct and are now an endangered species. All our classed as Endangered off the waters of Australia
  • It is estimated that there are approx 50,000 killer whales left in the world
  • It is hard to tell the difference between a male and female killer whale. But there is a slight difference in the black and white pattern on their back. Also the Male has a straighter and bigger dorsal fin.
  • They like to eat sea lions and even whales
  • They travel in pods – and there can be as many as 40 at a time over 4 generations.
  • They are good swimmers, averaging 35m per hour but this can increase up to 50m per hour Read the rest of this entry »

SeaWorld – Killer Whales, Manta Rays and Sea Lions

SeaWorld can be regarded as one of the veterans in the theme park world. The most notable SeaWorld park is in Orlando, where it resides with other big attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. With over 5 million visitors a year, SeaWorld is one of the most popular parks too.

The last time I visited SeaWorld was back in 1991, when I was just an impressionable youngster. So how would the park hold up against my expectations today? Visiting the park just last week, the memories are still fresh in my mind and I can put some comparison on how it has changed after all these years.

The first thing which was noticeably different from my childhood memories was the roaring of the Manta rollercoaster, a face down ride that gives the sensation of flying through the air. This was our first port of call. Although it was early in the morning, people had already climbed on board the ride for the first circuits of the day. On the way to the ride you will pass a flyover and as the carriages zoom past over shallows a splash of water will rise up, giving the effect of the passing shock wave. The effect is quite enjoyable to watch, but pales in comparison to actually taking part in the ride.

Getting strapped in to the chairs in the regular seated position, the harnesses lock and you’re elevated to a face down position with your arms left to dangle. Then it’s the customary rickety ascension to the highest point of the rollercoaster before you begin the rapid descent. Now, as far as rollercoasters go, the Manta is perhaps one of the most civilised. You are not subjected to head banging or uncomfortable g forces. Instead you are able to enjoy the ride and I would even go as far to say as Manta could be appreciated by people who don’t enjoy rollercoasters.

As you descend, you will then be flipped upside down, or rather with your face skyward as you navigate a half loop. This was greeted by voices of awe and appreciation from the other passengers as it was something we weren’t expecting. A few more helixes and twists and you’re back at the station with a huge grin on your face. ‘That wasn’t so bad’, exclaimed one member of our group, who was notoriously scared of rollercoasters and anything fast for that matter. Read the rest of this entry »

Killer Whale Killed Trainer During Under Water Show! Spectators Watched in Horror!

Oh, no! What a horrific accident! When it is not a gorilla attacking and ripping off the face of a woman in Connecticut or a sting ray darting its barbs into the heart of one of the most beloved Australian hunter in history, is killer whales taking the life of a young woman who devoted half her life as an underwater world whale trainer. We human beings are so affectionate to domesticated wild animals that we often become victims of the most horrific attacks by them, in our desires to show love.

It is very hard not to love animals, and we can’t understand why some people don’t, but that is for another topic. The majority of us, though, do love animal, whether they are from the wild or domesticated. However, we must admit that they put us in very precarious positions when we are too close to them, as trainers often are. This is the main reason why trainers are usually the first to get attacked by agitated animals.

Animals in the wild are perceived to be dangerous because they are not used to interacting with human beings while domesticated wild animals are not perceived as such, but this belief is slowly beginning to change as a result of the recent tragedies with animals and mammals attacking people, especially trainers. If this belief isn’t changing, then it should. Read the rest of this entry »