09/05/2026
THE HUNTING LESSON:
We watched for almost an hour as the female adult orcas from the Eastern Tropical Pacific pod singled out a baby common dolphin.
The adults continuously would grab the baby dolphin and release it so the orca calf could get into position and practice capturing and finishing the hunt, over and over again.
The adults would flip and push the baby common dolphin towards the orca calf so it could get the hunting technique down.
It was beautiful and sad and raw to watch nature taking its course. As sad as we are for the common dolphin, it’s also important to remember that this is just natures way. Orcas are apex predators and learning these hunting strategies are vital for the future of the new orca pod members.
I think these moments reflect the intricate balance of our ecosystems and the roles each species plays. It’s a reminder of the circle of life, even if it’s difficult to witness.
There’s no saying if they will come back to visit us here in San Diego this year, but we’re so grateful for the chance to see them in action so much this week.
sdwhale.com
