Orcas Hunting Whale Sharks: A Rare Oceanic Encounter

A pod of orcas in Norway. Photo by Paul Nicklen, via National Geographic.

Recently, a certain apex predator has created quite a buzz online by targeting one of the ocean’s most beautiful gentle giants.

On November 29th, a published scientific article spotlighted a pod of orcas, also known as killer whales, in the Gulf of California that appear to specialize in sharks and rays as their preferred food source.

In this particular case, the orcas preyed on a whale shark. This is not the first time orcas have been observed hunting whale sharks in the area.

In fact, four such events have been recorded between 2018 and 2024. During the first three events, an adult male orca named “Moctezuma” was present.

The same hunting strategy was observed each time: the orcas worked together to repeatedly strike the shark, stun it, and flip it onto its back, inducing tonic immobility.

Previous observations of South African orcas show that they target the pectoral region of broad-nosed sevengill sharks and great white sharks to extract their lipid-rich livers.

Whale shark researcher swimming next to a whale shark. Photo by Marine Megafauna Foundation.

However, orcas in the Gulf of California focus on the pelvic region of whale sharks, creating a laceration that causes profuse bleeding, ultimately leading to the shark’s death.

The orcas are then seen dragging the carcass underwater, out of view, where they are believed to consume the internal organs.

Unlike with great white sharks and other more frequently hunted species, the Gulf of California orcas have not been observed feeding specifically on whale shark livers.

There is no doubt that killer whales are the ocean’s most intelligent apex predator. With the highest brain-to-body mass ratio of any marine top predator, they possess exceptional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and advanced communication abilities.

These attributes enable them to coordinate highly efficient attacks on elasmobranchs and marine mammals, and even to pass these hunting strategies on to other members of their pod—or potentially even to other pods.

Whale shark researcher swimming next to a whale shark. Photo by Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Whale shark meat and fins being processed in a Chinese factory. Photo by Wildlife Risk, via National Geographic.

Unfortunately, whale sharks have been classified as Endangered by the IUCN since 2016.

It is important to note that predation by orcas is far from the only threat they face. Despite their protected status, whale sharks are still targeted for their fins, meat, and oil.

They are also frequently caught as bycatch in coastal fishing operations, such as trawling, and are at risk of boat strikes in popular tourist areas.

There are simple ways you can help protect whale sharks and become an ambassador for their conservation. Advocate for the creation of more marine protected areas in known whale shark habitats.

Commit to eating only sustainable seafood —or reduce your seafood consumption altogether.

Raise awareness by sharing the impact of human activities on whale sharks and other marine species with your friends and family.

Together, we can make a real difference for this beautiful planet and its remarkable inhabitants!

Photos taken by Kelsey Williamson of the most recent attack (26 May 2024) on a whale shark in the Gulf of California by four adult females and one juvenile orca.