Killer Whale Facts

Between 1993-2003, the Southern Resident Killer Whale population fell by about 20%. In the mid-1990s, there were approximately 95 individuals, while now the population numbers in the mid-80s.
Killer whales, also known as orcas, are long-lived members of the dolphin family and top predators in the marine food web
Biologists classify orcas in the Northeast Pacific Ocean into three morphologically, genetically, geographically and culturally distinct groups, or assemblages: resident, transient, and offshore killer whales
Resident killer whales feed on fish, particularly salmon, while transient killer whales eat marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises
Resident killer whales live in matriarchal units comprised of a mother and her offspring, which congregate into larger social groups. Both males and females remain with their mother for life, an unusual characteristic among mammals. Females calve only once every 5 years on average.
There are two populations of resident killer whales in British Columbia: the Southern Residents and the Northern Residents. These populations are genetically and culturally distinct, and have a unique acoustic repertoire.
Killer whales are an integral part of the Pacific Ocean ecosystem and are a sentinel species – whose health is an indicator for the overall ecological health of the marine environment.

For more information on the legal battle to protect Canada's endangered killer whales, follow the links below.