Do Orca share food? The sharing of food is a huge part of Orca life and ensures nobody misses out on an important meal, sharing is caring after all! Arriving in The Patch it was clear that the Orca were focusing in on something important and we anticipated that it was likely a hunt that would take place. Sure enough the energy increased and they powered towards the east to meet up with the family members who had been closest to the Beaked Whale. A large oil slick and frantic seabirds began to grow on the oceans surface as the Orca pulled apart their meal in portions as a few elders of the family took their amount to share with other pod members.
The hunt is tiring enough, but the process of feeding also takes much energy but the Orca are more than happy to spend that energy for the well deserved nutrition and energy this meal will provide them. Pulling and tearing while using their powerful bodies for leverage leads to some interesting movements at the surface with flukes, pectorals and bellies going in all directions as they break down the meal into manageable pieces to share. It is always great to see the young calves joining in with the process and learning this important aspect of their lives, ensuring they share their meal with all family members. It made us smile to watch Queen join in with the social fun after the hunt and feeding as she played with her grand-orca excitedly. Bubbles kept showing off her very impressive tail stands and spy hops while Kiki cam over for a chat as we heard such beautiful and very excited whistles at the waters surface!
