Orca top speed can range from 50 to 60 kilometres per hour and is generally reserved for chasing down prey, the immense pace requires the Orca to porpoise clear of the water below. The average travel speed is usually around 10 to 15 kilometres per hour with slower speeds observed when the family pods are in less of a rush to move to different areas of the hunting grounds. Today we were able to witness a few different speeds from the Orca as Queen and her family pod were travelling and for over ten miles they travelled at a steady pace. The whole family pod grouped together and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the chance to swim together at speed, it has to be one of the most beautiful and powerful sights in the animal kingdom.
Wonks was very cheeky today as he came over for a big greeting and enjoyed powerfully moving alongside us as he kept up with the family pod. All family members came over through our time travelling with them to say g’day and it was fantastic to see them all looking very happy and excited to be on the move. Little Arry was making the most of the fun and while keeping up with mum he would porpoise clear of the water below before popping back below the surface into mums slipstream. It is similar to a piggyback ride and enables these young calves to keep up with their mum and the family pod with minimal effort. Reducing energy expenditure especially over the long distances Orca travel each day, this behaviour is known as echelon swimming and is observed with young whale and dolphins calves. Play, travel and foraging was all observed today and a great example of how unique each interaction and day can be in the Bremer Canyons.
