Raw Nature: Pod of Around 60 Orcas Hunts and Kills Pygmy Blue Whale off the Australian Coast

Last Monday (7), a dramatic and powerful scene of marine wildlife unfolded off the southern coast of Western Australia. A group of about 60 orcas spent roughly 90 minutes chasing a pygmy blue whale, approximately 18 meters long, ultimately bringing it down in the renowned Bremer Canyon — a global hotspot for marine life encounters.

The event was witnessed by tourists and scientists alike, who, despite being familiar with the raw dynamics of ocean life, were shaken by the intensity of the spectacle. “We’re all still trying to process what we saw,” said marine biologist Jennah Tucker, from the ecotourism company Naturaliste Charters. “We do everything we can to simply observe and not interfere, but witnessing something like that is deeply impactful.”

Occurrences like this are extremely rare and have only been documented a few times worldwide. Four of those instances happened in Bremer Canyon. According to Jennah, the attack involved five different family groups of orcas taking turns during the hunt. At the peak of the action, around 30 orcas had surrounded the whale, coordinating a precise and collective attack.

Among the predators were many young individuals — including a calf just one month old. Though still toothless, it stayed close to its mother, observing every move. “They’re involved from an early age,” explained the biologist.

The Orcas Reign

Bremer Canyon has become one of the top destinations for divers, tourists, and researchers during the Australian summer months, especially between January and April. The region teems with marine biodiversity, including giant squid and several whale species, drawing hundreds of orcas every year.

“This has become one of the world’s top spots to observe orcas in their natural habitat,” Jennah emphasized. “And witnessing interactions like this — as difficult as they are to watch — reveals the complexity and power of oceanic predator-prey relationships.”

While the scene may have been brutal, it underscores the importance of respecting nature’s balance and continuing to study marine life in all its forms — from the most graceful to the most intense.

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