Incredible Encounter: Orcas Spotted by Diver in Southern Ilhabela

Last Sunday (22), an extraordinary moment was captured in southern Ilhabela, on the northern coast of São Paulo. Photographer and researcher Rafael Mesquita Ferreira was lucky enough to come across a group of approximately 17 orcas (Orcinus orca) swimming near the coast, a true spectacle of nature.

Described by him as a “Christmas gift,” the encounter brought together orcas of different ages and sizes, including males, females, juveniles, and calves. According to Rafael, the group was composed of four distinct pods, making the occurrence even more fascinating.

“Some of these orcas had already been identified and are part of research catalogs, but others are still unknown, which represents a valuable opportunity to expand our knowledge about these incredible animals that inhabit the Brazilian coast throughout the year,” explained the researcher.

Orcas are known for their intelligence and complex social behavior, and sightings like this help deepen studies on their behavior and migration patterns. The presence of these ocean giants along the Brazilian coast reinforces the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and monitoring oceanic fauna.

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