Like many people my age, my fascination with the mighty killer whale began in 1993 when I watched a whale majestically leap over a rock wall to freedom. Since then I’ve had several opportunities to admire these majestic creatures, both in captivity (thankfully aquariums in my city are no longer allowed to keep large marine mammals imprisoned) and in the wild (living in the Pacific Northwest, orca sightings from ferries are not uncommon). Each and every time I’m left utterly in awe of their size, power and elegance.
Not only are orcas extremely intelligent, they’re also very playful, with studies showing that orcas seem to engage in energetic behaviour such as leaping and splashing simply for the fun of it, strengthening their bonds with each other through shared play. Sounds a lot like us humans!
Have you ever witnessed an orca in the wild? It’s a breathtaking experience! There are actually three different orca ecotypes (genetically distinct groups) that live in the waters off the coast of British Columbia and Washington State – the Resident, Bigg’s and Offshore ecotypes. Unfortunately they are all either threatened, endangered or of special concern.
There’s even a fun action song featuring orca whales that’s perfect for storytimes! All orcas, all the time!
Mona Voelkel is hosting Poetry Friday this week. 🙂
Hooray for playful orcas! They are definitely stars of any ocean show.
Jane, Your Orcas are fun to watch and knowing they are having fun too, makes it even more special. Love the playful tone of your poem!
When I go to Pacifica CA to visit my son, I often see a glimpse of whales breeching far out from shore. And yes, whales play too, don’t they, and like us need some fun in our lives. Love the images in your poem that show their play, leaping, splashing, crashing, “turning seaweed into toys.” Thanks, Jane!
Jane!!! Oh, your orca poem is amazing! I read it several times, and loved the rhythm of it! I am bookmarking this!!! Love that you can sometimes see whales!!! Thank you for all lovely post and resources!
A great subject for a poem, Jane! We are one of many species who love to play 🙂 Thanks for spotlighting orcas and showing the three ecotypes. I am hoping to see a whale while I’m on vacation this upcoming week (in Canada!).
How lucky you are to have seen these magnificent creatures! Despite living on a boat for almost a year and sailing the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida, I have never seen one. It’s fun to know that their behavior is often play-based. Thanks for sharing this info and your poetry about them.
Hmm…do the whales play like us, or do we play like the whales??? 😉 Chicken/egg, egg/chicken — the importance of play is what matters most!
I haven’t yet had the privilege and joy to see orcas in the wild but I hope to someday! Your poem is delightful. Loving your focus on amazing creatures of the sea!
What a fun post! Love the Orca whales and all sea-life actually. Thanks for shaing your poem and the information about the three types of orcas at the end. I had no idea.
I fell in love with orcas on a weeklong kayak trip off Vancouver island some 20+ years ago. So playful, yet sooo wild! Beauty in motion.
Orcas are the best and I;ve seen them! Your poem captures them so well.
The orcas in the photo seem to enjoy their playful time with family / friends. The verbs in your poem are define the fun of a play day in the ocean: heaving bodies, crashing down, bobbing up and down, turning seaweed, and nuzzling. Whew, that is a full day of action.