Babysitting Killer Whales is a special responsibility we were tasked with today as the mothers left their babies to play and it was clear we were going to be the entertainment! Immediately on our arrival we could see Queen’s family pod working hard as they surged powerfully through The Patch but what they were chasing seemed to get away from them as the family pod regrouped. Calves were left with Tarni and Prince as the elders of the family spread out the Killer Whale net in hunt mode. The youngsters played quietly, doing a great job of having some fun but keeping as quiet a profile as possible while the adults were foraging further away.
Eventually it seemed Queen decided to leave what they had been trying to track as she moved up to our bow for her morning greeting and the whole family excitedly regrouped and began to socialise and play. Spy hops, wrestling and zoomies unfolded all around us as they played happily, now able to make as much noise as they wished as foraging time was over for a little while. Social interactions are very important to Orca and provides them the chance to relax and rest their minds after a hard morning of foraging. The calves were thrilled as they completely surrounded us and we certainty felt part of the pod as they all ensured to come over and say hello.
Big spy hops from Bubbles was so special to see, it seems to be something she loves doing of late and we just adore seeing her beautiful face pop up above the swell for a cheeky look our way. The excitement grew as Fanscar and Alby along with other members of Cheryl’s family pod including B-Slice arrived to see what all the commotion was about. Eventually it was time to continue foraging as the elders moved forward and the calves continued to have fun behind them as the energy shifted from play to forage mode and all began to travel. Wishing them well for their day ahead we were thrilled to have had the opportunity of babysitting Killer Whales today, these apex predators are rather fun to spend time with!
