Watch: Killer whales off iSimangaliso coast Posted on 30 August 2019 Tags:humpback whale, iSimangaliso, killer whale, orca A group of boat-based whale watchers on a chartered tour off the coast of St Lucia, on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, experienced ‘one of the most unique sightings’. They were out watching humpback whales, a fairly common sight off the shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, when some killer whales (orcas) entered the territory and began hunting. The charter company, which posted a video and some photos to its Facebook page said that the killer whales preyed on a baby humpback whale. The company, Advantage Tours and Charters, said that the killer whales preying on the humpback was ‘a bit sad, but such is nature, carnivores have to eat.’ The experience of encountering these orcas was described as extremely ‘exciting’, ‘ rare’, ’emotional’ and ‘extraordinary’. Also read: iSimangaliso marine protection expands significantly Humpback whales feed off the waters of Antartica during the summer and then head north passing the South African coastline in winter on their way to breed in the warmer waters of Mozambique and Madagascar. According to a paper published in the African Journal of Marine Science, referring to the movements of killer whales off the coast of South Africa, the occurrence of these predators does not appear seasonal, ‘although circumstantial evidence indicates that some individuals migrate from higher latitudes.’ Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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