killer whale: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026

News •

These rare killer whales are threatened by shipping noise. AI is turning down the din • Nov. 5, 2026, 4:07 AM ET (CNN)

Baby manta rays stick to the shallows to avoid sharks and orca • Oct. 22, 2026, 12:00 AM ET (Popular Science)

Orca mother known for ‘tour of grief’ welcomes new calf • Oct. 21, 2026, 2:59 PM ET (Vancouver Sun)

Facts

Also Known As	Orcinus orca • orca

Photos and Videos

World map showing the geographic range of the killer whale (Orcinus orca) highlighted in orange, covering most oceanic regions around all continents, including the Arctic, Antarctic, and temperate to tropical waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

killer whale (Orcinus orca)

NOAA marine ecologist Lisa Ballance sits smiling on Antarctic ice in an orange suit, with a killer whale calf poking its head through a hole in the ice behind her.

Survival in the storm-battered waters of the Shetland Islands

Explore the Whale Museum and the whales around the San Juan Islands

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Why are orcas called killer whales?charismatic megafauna apex predator

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