In
the scientific world, the Orca is known taxonomically as the Orcinus orca. While the name Killer
Whale might suggest the opposite, they are not whales. Orcas are a part of the
Delphinidae Family; they are a species of dolphin. These mammals are carnivorous,
known for hunting in groups of approximately forty called pods which are often
noted as similar to wolf hunting packs. They eat seals, seabirds, fish, and
even whales. They have over forty teeth, each approximately ten centimeters
long in order to eat prey. These animals are the largest members of the dolphin
family and can grow anywhere from twenty-three to thirty-two feet long as well
as weight up to six tons. They can be found in various locations throughout the
Earth from the arctic to equator, despite most media representation depicting
them in the wild to live in only arctic waters.

            Orcas are also considered quite
intelligent, which is one reason why they are often trained in captivity to
perform tricks. They have the largest brains out of all dolphins, weighing
between five and six kilograms. The Orca also has the ability to communicate
with other members of its species through echolocation, similar to Beluga
Whales who use this skill to find food and other members of its species. These
pods also seem to contain members of an extended family, and they have a
matriarchal system, as the female Orcas are known to protect their offspring as
well as other members of their pod. Female Orcas have offspring every three to
five years and go through seventeen-month pregnancies (Britannica and National
Geographic).