Graphic Content Warning: Blue Whale Predation
Bremer Bay Orca yearling Blue Whale predation today as we were witness to a phenomenal hunt involving four Orca families in a day we will never forget. The morning started at a very different pace with Pilot Whales greeting us at the shelf as all were very relaxed as they sauntered over to say good morning. A lovely start to our day as we moved out and began to search carefully as three muffled blows were sighted and we were excited to see that the Sperm Whales were in town. Skittish at the surface had us immediately on the lookout, what was making the worlds largest toothed predators uncomfortable? It was our oceans apex predator who was lurking as Cheryl and her family pod moved in on the area and soon afterwards were joined by Alki and family. Cruising the hunting grounds they were successful in securing a few small meals as regular oil slicks appeared at the surface and all was well with the families. During the early afternoon we noticed a distinctive change in behaviour as they reverted to stealth mode before a sudden surge began and white water was sent flying, the hunt was on!
The further we went the more our hearts raced, the momentum was taking us to the top of the continental shelf and this is known baleen whale territory. Scanning carefully we could see that Alki and family were urgent but controlled in their surge as they listened to the vocalisations ahead of them and then there it all was as an eruption of white water and dorsal fins appeared. Our hearts sank, it was a Blue Whale and the individual was completely surrounded by Orca as they all moved like a freight train towards the north and into shallower water. Surfacing around us was four Orca families who all converged as one to complete this hunt today with Queen, Kidji, Alki and Lucy along with their family members all in on the hunt. The young Blue Whale surfaced and it was clear to see this little one was barely a yearling, a very sad moment as we knew that with no experience and limited strength it would be incredibly difficult to make an escape. The Orca were determined and clung to the Blue Whale with 20+ individuals by its side throughout the entire hunt as they attempted to push and smother it below the surface.
Twisting, turning and rolling was sending white water everywhere as the frantic struggles of the hunt were so very clear to see. The fluke of the Blue Whale often lifted clear of the ocean below as the youngster tried to power forward but would be lifted by the Orca and the beauty of that fluke was startling, such beautiful creature in a very dire situation. Our hearts were torn for both the Orca and the Blue Whale as we watched the entire event unfold in front of us as the seabirds grew in numbers until it felt like a feather whirlwind was looming over us as they moved in on the hunt. The first of the oil slick and blood was now visible as the Orca began to move into the next phase of their hunt with all members of the four families now on scene with much breaching, tail lobbing and fluke slapping as they excitedly released tension while also calling in everyone to the hunt. Hookfin went ballistic off our port side as he breached his way towards our bow, it felt like he might land on us! The intensity grew as the birds now began to fall from the sky as they hit the water to collect the scraps of food being found amongst the oil slick.
It has been observed in our previous Blue Whale predation back in 2021 and also with John Totterdell’s Blue Whale predations where the Orca will begin to attempt reaching the lips and tongue of the whale. It is exactly what began to happen next as the very weak Blue was now lacking energy and barely able to maintain each surfacing, it was clear the end was close and the Orca knew this as they made the final push downwards. It was over and there was a sadness but sense of relief for this Blue Whale along with a relief for the Orca they made it through the hunt unharmed and successfully. Our hearts are always torn during these hunts as we spend much time with both species and have respect and love for them both, but today it was the Orcas day. Feeding followed as the Orca dived deeply and returned with food in their mouths as the excitement amongst them all was clear to not only see but feel, we were in the midst of a very significant day for them all including all the seabirds, sharks and fish benefitting from this hunt.
Ambrose spied ruffled white water heading our way and sure enough it was the Pilot Whales, having been alerted to all the Orca communications they wanted to know what was going on as they barged in on the feeding Orca. The ocean was alive with activity, excitement and noise and we were all completely captured in the moment along with them all, a once in a lifetime experience for all of our guests onboard. The rawness and honesty we see in these hunts are a humble reminder of what is important in life and for the Orca it is family, the need to stick together and work as a team results in the Bremer Bay Orca achieving incredible feats. Queen was leading the charge today with all Orca working as one machine with tactics, patience and discipline seen effortlessly and amongst the intensity of a hunt there was calm in the Orca. They never cease to amaze us and as they regrouped in the setting sun we reflected on what a privilege our family and team have to work alongside these apex predators who treat us like family, blessed we are to be friends with the Orca.
It was a very sad day to lose one of our precious Blue Whales at such a young age but this was always going to be the way today was meant to unfold. We all have a purpose in this life and wether we are here for a short or long time we all have the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Wildlife can teach us so much if we take the time to watch, listen and learn with their priorities and intentions in life more often superior to our own. Discipline, dedication, resilience, honesty, curiosity and a never ending sense of fun when the opportunity arises are just some of the lessons we learn and see on a daily basis with the precious wildlife we have the great honour of working with everyday.
