An Over-Whale-Ming Look at Orca Culture and Captivity

In this week's episode of Right Up Your Algae, Clara and Emily discuss how different Orcas can be pod to pod. From communication differences and hunting tactics to in-depth social relations and sense of self, some scientists argue orcas may have cultures. But what do you think? Emily also dives into the ethics of captivity and gets sentimental about the special place orcas have in her heart. Sources:Social structure of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in a variable low-latitude environment, the Galápagos Archipelago: http://surl.li/lyfirThe Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Vocal Tradition: Acoustic Communication and its Role in the Orca Family Unit: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cnso_stucap/133/Apparent death of 47-year-old orca matriarch could have serious effects on pod, scientists fear: http://surl.li/lyfjcNational Wildlife Federation; Orca: http://surl.li/lyfjgCetacean Societies: http://surl.li/lyfjmShark-eating offshore killer whales are the 'mystery animals' of B.C. waters: http://surl.li/lyfjqOrcas: http://surl.li/lyfjtAntarctic Peninsula killer whales (Orcinus orca) hunt seals and a penguin on floating ice: http://surl.li/lyfjxCooperative hunting behavior, prey selectivity and prey handling by pack ice killer whales (Orcinus orca), type B, in Antarctic Peninsula waters: http://surl.li/lyfkaKiller Whales (Orcinus orca) of Patagonia, and Their Behavior of Intentional Stranding While Hunting Nearshore: http://surl.li/lyfkhAll is Whale That Ends Whale? The Deficiencies in National Protection for Orca Whales in Captivity: http://surl.li/lyfkmKiska, 'the loneliest whale in the world,' dies at Canada amusement park: http://surl.li/lyfkpAnimal Welfare Institute: http://surl.li/lyfkrThe harmful effects of captivity and chronic stress on the well-being of orcas (Orcinus orca): http://surl.li/lyfkuLonely Bay of Fundy orca may help researchers understand species' behaviour: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/old-thom-orca-dolphin-research-1.6925351Killer whales (Orcinus orca L.) and saithe (Pollachius virens L.) trap herring (Clupea harengus L.) in shallow water by taking advantage of steep bottom topography: http://surl.li/lyfld