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Orcas Off Kapiti
Orcas Off Kapiti
By Jim Webber
Kapiti
Independent News
January 27, 2011
Killer Whales have been appearing around Kapiti recently, causing much interest and wonder — not to mention anxiety among some of us who remember old stories.
However these days Killer Whales have become amiable creatures that are like us in some ways.
They breathe air, their ancestors once lived on land, and sometimes they seem to get mixed up between their saltwater habitat and dry land. They look after each other and appear to have a sense of fun — they toss stingrays around like frisbees.
Rescuing killer whales
Rescuing them and other members of the extended family of cetaceans has become a mission that never fails to stimulate a dedicated, emotional response among people throughout Aotearoa.
Attitudes towards them have changed, over the years: The last known big stranding was at Paraparaumu Beach in May, 1955 when 17 Killer Whales were beached. They were shot “to put them out of their misery” according to a report of the incident.
On December 28 last year a crowd of locals and holiday-makers at Kawhia gathered to refloat a young female stranded while chasing stingrays.
‘Brings the community together’
Several of her family cruised nearby during the rescue. Said the local Policeman: “Moments like these really bring the community together.”
They’re known usually as Orcas these days, of course, from their scientific name Orcinus Orca.
They are not known to have attacked humans, but their old name still stays in the mind because of their formidable power and abilities to travel far and quickly. S
tingrays and Eagle rays, even Electric Rays, form a basic part of their diet. They grab them well clear of their barbs, and throwing them around seems to be part of the pre-feeding ritual. They also are reported to eat dolphin, game fish and small whales.
ENDS
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