Orcas make rare splash in Vancouver's false creek
A group of orcas caused quite a sensation when they appeared in the narrow bay of False Creek, situated in the heart of Vancouver. The family of mammals was recorded, and the video was shared on social media.
27 November 2024 10:38
The group of orcas embarked on a journey to False Creek Bay in the centre of Vancouver, Canada. Although these marine mammals inhabit British Columbia waters, they are rarely seen in this location.
A stir in the Canadian city
According to experts cited by local media, the orcas might have swum to this place, intending to hunt seals.
Videos featuring the orcas, which appeared on social media, were recorded from ferries. The captain of one of them, Jack Hemsworth, said that passengers on board were astonished when the orcas’ dorsal fins emerged from the water. "I’ve never been that close, even on like a whale watching tour," said Hemsworth, as quoted by Times Colonist.
An exceptional experience
Andrew Trites, director of the marine mammal research unit at the University of British Columbia, stated that the group of orcas is a family - a mother and her three children. "I’m sure there were hundreds of people walking along the seawall that day and they didn’t even notice and these people aboard the boat, they had a very special moment they will remember for the rest of their lives," said the scientist in conversation with Times Colonist.
The orca is a marine mammal species, the largest member of the dolphin family. The oceanic orca is the most widely distributed and inhabits nearly every marine environment from the equator to both polar regions. Females can reach up to 25 feet in length, while males can grow up to 32 feet. Their body mass can be up to 4.7 tonnes for females and 6.6 tonnes for males.
