Killer whales in the waters off Spildra, Norway

© Alex Mustard/Minden Picture

What are these predators doing?. World Wildlife Day

Today is World Wildlife Day and there is perhaps no better occasion to brush up on your killer whale—also known as an orca whale—knowledge. Killer whales are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain. Orcas exhibit unmatched hunting skills, but there have not been any documented cases of orcas in the wild killing humans. Their diet usually includes a smorgasbord of sea creatures, such as fish, penguins, and even sharks and whales. Did you know that the name ‘killer whale’ is a misnomer? Killer whales are not actually whales but dolphins. It is believed they were nicknamed ‘killer whale’ by Spanish sailors who saw them hunting whales.