An Orca, also called a killer whale, is not a whale at all—it’s the biggest dolphin! It has black and white skin, a tall fin on its back, and lives in families.
- It’s a mammal, which means it breathes air and has warm blood.
- It lives in groups called pods, like a big family.
- It’s super smart and uses sound to talk and find food.
Watch an Orca in Action!
Orcas are amazing to watch! They swim fast, jump high, and work together like a team. This video shows how playful and smart they are.
Where Do Orcas Live?
Orcas live in many parts of the world’s oceans, from cold to warm waters. They feel happy in different places where they can find food.
- They live near the coast and in open oceans.
- They can swim in cold Arctic seas or near warm Pacific islands.
What Do Orcas Eat?
Orcas are hungry hunters! They eat all sorts of foods depending on where they live.
- Fish like salmon and herring.
- Seals, sea lions, and even penguins in chilly places.
- Sometimes they work together to catch whales or turtles!
How Big is an Orca?
Orcas are huge! Here’s how big they get:
- Length: up to 32 feet (about 10 m) — as long as a school bus!
- Weight: up to 12,000 pounds (about 5,400 kg) — as heavy as two big elephants!
What Sound Do Orcas Make?
Orcas make lots of sounds in the ocean. They click, whistle, and call to each other to find food, talk, and stay together.
Cool Orca Facts
Orcas are full of surprises! Here are some fun things to know:
- They are the biggest dolphins in the world.
- Different pods have their own special “dialect” of calls.
- They can swim up to 34 mph (55 km/h) — faster than a car in the city!
- They live with their mom their whole life—over 90 years!
- They use echolocation clicks to “see” underwater.
- Some orcas work together to create waves to wash seals off ice.
- They are at the top of the food chain—nothing hunts them!
Printables and Coloring Fun
Kids love to draw and play! Here are some fun things you can try:
Orcas in the Eco-system
Orcas are important in the ocean and need our help!
- They help keep ocean animals like fish and seals healthy.
- There are about 50,000 orcas in the world.
- Some groups are endangered, like the Southern Resident orcas in North America.
Ask a Grown-up to Help You Learn More
If you want to dive deeper into orca life, these trusted websites have great info:
- National Geographic: Killer Whale Facts
- Killer whale | Definition & Facts
- Facts about orcas (killer whales)
Fun Questions About Orcas
Orcas live in tight pods—families that stay together a long time.
Nope! They are the biggest dolphins in the ocean.
They click, whistle, and call using sound waves.
Yes—they can zoom at up to 34 mph (55 km/h)!
No way! They only hunt animals in the sea.
Some live over 90 years—like a grandma or grandpa orca!
Yes, some groups are in trouble, like the Southern Residents.
They rest while swimming slowly, since they need to breathe air.
Ways to Donate and Support Orcas
You can help keep orcas safe and happy in the wild. People can give money, join ocean clean-ups, and learn how to protect these amazing animals.
Sources: Wikipedia, Live Science, Creative Commons, Britannica.com and Freesound.org
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