Today I got to encounter one of the most incredible things I will *ever* see in my life, a trio of Offshore Killer Whales (Orcinus orca). These animals as their name suggests primarily occur far offshore, where they are preying on large-bodied fish, especially on sharks. They eat rough-skinned sharks so often their teeth actually get worn down to nubs! This group we encountered consisted of a female, her young calf, and another female.
We watched these animals for how long they would allow us, and fortunately, that was quite a while!
At one point, they appeared to make a kill but had it finished before we caught up with them again. This picture shows all three individuals sorta crisscrossing before returning to traveling after their meal!
To put yesterday in statistical terms, it straight up should not have happened, but it did.
I could easily go my entire career without ever seeing them again, but I have now seen them.
Whale enthusiasts and enjoyers cheered and clapped at this incredible opportunity to see these animals.
Thank you for the internship opportunity @monterey_bay_whale_watch and @californiakillerwhaleproject!
It’s days like today that can make an entire lifetime!
-Andrew
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