Bremer Killer Whale tours in March are an interesting time as hunting and travel patterns start to change through the autumn months and more family pods gather targeting larger prey. It was wonderful to be out on the water again after three long windy, rainy days but this morning it was beautiful with a warm breeze and even the sun decided it was going to enjoy the day! Arriving in The Patch there they were as Cheryl and her family pod all surfaced together and they were in travel mode. Moving as one they covered ground slowly but efficiently. It is always wonderful to be part of these travel days especially when the family is moving close together, a most precious sight to see an Orca family travelling as one. Giovanni and B-Slice are both looking very well as the big boys stood out from all the females, juveniles and calves within their family.
Babies of the family Teddy and Gabriel were full of energy and enthusiasm as they moved alongside their mums happily. Showcasing that echelon style of swimming, the little ones were not needing to put in the same effort as their mums while travelling so close as they were pulled along in her slipstream. It was now time to head back towards The Patch and also a quick break for some social interactions. Approaching us closely, they enjoyed some close passes as they had a good look at all our Pod Members onboard and introduced themselves to everyone. It is lovely to watch these little social interactions amongst the pod and to be part of them as well. A break like this from their usual travel and foraging duties is very important to ensure that these intelligent Killer Whales give themselves a mental break from all that disciplined focus.
