Apex Predator Playtime in The Patch today as Wonks, Stormy, Samurai and Opal greeted us on arrival with intense wrestling and play right alongside us as the Pilot Whales made a very welcome appearance. It was a lovely way to start our morning as we arrived in the sighting grounds and immediately were welcomed by Queen and the family pod who were relaxing nearby yet another oil slick. It seemed they had been successful again this morning and the rewards of feeding regularly is extra energy to use for playtime. It was incredible to watch as for nearly an hour the youngsters wrestled, rolled and charged at each other creating an immense amount of white water and fun! Practicing the same skills they use when hunting Beaked Whales at the surface, it was amazing to watch as this was more than just play, it was training. Youngsters need these rough play sessions to perfect the skills they will require as they mature to control larger prey such as Beaked Whales. Wonks in particular is massive, he has put on so much size and strength over the last twelve months and today it was on full display.
He ensured not to hurt his younger pod members but was certainly pushing the boundaries of his strength while sending Stormy and Samurai flying across the surface with his wrestling moves. The youngsters didn’t let him have it all his way though as they worked together to push Wonks back below the surface and had us all giggling to watch the boisterous antics of these youngsters. A truly incredible spectacle to witness apex predator playtime and be welcomed into the fun as they socialised within meters of us and were very keen to include us in all the fun. The family eventually regrouped and as they pushed to the east we travelled with them before we had the opportunity to join with over fifty Pilot Whales including some mothers with brand new calves. How beautiful to watch these little ones surging along with mum through the swell and having a blast exploring and learning about their new world. The surge was carried through to the Orca who regrouped and after their surge to the west it was time to settle in for an afternoon rest after what had been a fast paced, energetic and fun filled day!
