They are one of the deadliest predators of the seas but when this
killer whale went in search of his lunch it looked like a fish out of
water.
Captured on the coast of Patagonia this amazing sequence of images
show how a lucky young seal evaded the giant mammal as it emerged from
the icy waters.
For full story and pictures:
Photographer and conservationist Rob Lott travelled to Ponte Note in
Patagonia to study and photograph the foraging behaviour of a pod of
18 Orcas.
“We spent a month watching this pod of 18 Orcas near Ponte Note in
Patagonia,” describes 44-year-old Rob.
“Despite their numbers only seven of the Orcas have mastered the
stranding behaviour where the Orca enter the shallow surf to feed on
seal pups.
“On one occasion we spotted Mel, a 50 year-old Orcas who have
previously been studied by David Attenborough in his “Trials of Life”
documentary.
“We identified him due to his large two metre dorsal fin ad it was
great to see him in action.”
Also known as Orcinus Orca, the killer whale is the largest member of
the dolphin family.
Growing to a length of up to 27 feet, adult Orcas as much as 10 tons,
killer whales are known to be opportunistic feeders, preying on
virtually any large marine animal.
Aside from hunting in the waters, Orcas are known to leave the water
to grab seals and sea lions from the shore, however on this occasion
it was this tiny seal pup managed to evade the huge predator.
“Seal pups are often born in January of each year and as they grow
older they become more brave and courageous and head down towards the
shallow surf,” says Rob.
“Over the years the Orcas have figured this out and it is not uncommon
for the Orcas to feed on the tiny seal pups.
“Mel is known to be an expert hunter and he will often take a seal
from the shore before taking it back to the pod for feeding.
“On this occasion however the pup got away, but it made for some
spectacular images.”
Words by Jack Fletcher
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