China unveiled a new trimaran drone ship at the Zhuhai Airshow. It is a surface combatant called the "Killer Whale", which has been described as a miniature warship that can carry a wide array of weapons, like antiship missiles, antiaircraft missiles, torpedoes, and a drone helicopter on the rear deck.

China Touts New 'Killer Whale' Stealth Drone Ship

Orcas crashing into boats and sinking them in the Strait of Gibraltar may just be young killer whales playing around and following a behavioural trend, a marine biologist says.

Since May 2020 researchers have documented nearly 700 incidents of killer whales ramming into boats near the Iberian Peninsula.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-oceangate-implosion-us-billionaire-plans-another-expedition-to-titanic-in-submersible-726626">After OceanGate implosion, US billionaire plans another expedition&nbsp;to Titanic in submersible</a>

The unprecedented attacks on boats by killer whales in this region have left sailors and scientists baffled. The prevailing theory suggests the whales might be learning this behaviour from each other.

Theories trying to explain the odd behaviour have ranged from food shortage – orcas treating the boats as competition for their preferred prey – and the sudden resumption of marine activities after the pandemic.

Leading marine biologist Alex Zerbini, chair of the scientific committee at the International Whaling Commission (IWC), says the killer whale behaviour is most likely to be a new artistic practice without any purpose.

In other words, the orcas may just be following a new fad, scientists now suspect.

The marine biologists’ paper states, “different populations often have different dietary specialisations maintained by cultural communication, and these ‘ecotypes’ typically have a variety of persistent behavioural traditions related to their divergent foraging.”&nbsp;

“Some populations may also develop unusual and temporary behavioural ‘fads’ and other idiosyncrasies that do not appear to serve any obvious adaptive purpose.”

Interestingly, researchers point to a 1987 phenomenon in the South Pacific where young orcas began carrying dead salmon on their heads.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/kilauea-volcano-could-erupt-like-a-stomp-rocket-toy-says-study-726604">Kilauea volcano could erupt like a 'stomp-rocket toy', says study</a>&nbsp;

This curious behaviour, with no purpose, eventually spread throughout the entire population. This particular behaviour disappeared soon thereafter, only to return in the summer of 2008 and then disappear once more.

In another case of strange behaviour that appeared and disappeared teenage and adult male orcas have been documented exhibiting a ritualised ramming.

Recent encounters with damaged boats involve young whales, who appear curious and approach slowly, seemingly bumping rudders with their snouts.

“This behaviour of the animals does&nbsp;not suggest&nbsp;that they are being aggressive,” Dr Zerbini told The Washington Post.

“Not all interactions have ended in vessel damage,” the scientists said.

Researchers believe that this new behaviour among orcas may disappear at some point, and could appear again at a later time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Orcas crashing into boats and sinking them in the Strait of Gibraltar may just be young killer whales playing around and following a behavioural trend, a marine biologist says.

Orcas crashing into boats and sinking them in the Strait of Gibraltar may just be young killer whales playing around and following a behavioural trend, a marine biologist says. Since May 2020 researchers have documented nearly 700 incidents of killer whales ramming into boats near the Iberian Peninsula. Also read: After OceanGate implosion, US billionaire plans another expedition to Titanic in submersible The unprecedented attacks on boats by killer whales in this region have left sailors and scientists baffled. The prevailing theory suggests the whales might be learning this behaviour from each other. Theories trying to explain the odd behaviour have ranged from food shortage – orcas treating the boats as competition for their preferred prey – and the sudden resumption of marine activities after the pandemic. Leading marine biologist Alex Zerbini, chair of the scientific committee at the International Whaling Commission (IWC), says the killer whale behaviour is most likely to be a new artistic practice without any purpose. In other words, the orcas may just be following a new fad, scientists now suspect. The marine biologists’ paper states, “different populations often have different dietary specialisations maintained by cultural communication, and these ‘ecotypes’ typically have a variety of persistent behavioural traditions related to their divergent foraging.” “Some populations may also develop unusual and temporary behavioural ‘fads’ and other idiosyncrasies that do not appear to serve any obvious adaptive purpose.” Interestingly, researchers point to a 1987 phenomenon in the South Pacific where young orcas began carrying dead salmon on their heads. Also read: Kilauea volcano could erupt like a 'stomp-rocket toy', says study This curious behaviour, with no purpose, eventually spread throughout the entire population. This particular behaviour disappeared soon thereafter, only to return in the summer of 2008 and then disappear once more. In another case of strange behaviour that appeared and disappeared teenage and adult male orcas have been documented exhibiting a ritualised ramming. Recent encounters with damaged boats involve young whales, who appear curious and approach slowly, seemingly bumping rudders with their snouts. “This behaviour of the animals does not suggest that they are being aggressive,” Dr Zerbini told The Washington Post. “Not all interactions have ended in vessel damage,” the scientists said. Researchers believe that this new behaviour among orcas may disappear at some point, and could appear again at a later time. (With inputs from agencies)

Killer whales may be crashing into boats, sinking them just for fun, new study reveals

A lost orca (killer whale) calf, stranded for weeks in a shallow Vancouver Island lagoon in western Canada, dodging multiple rescue attempts&nbsp;swam free on Friday (Apr 26), according to a local Indigenous group.

The Ehattesaht First Nation, who named the orca calf "Brave Little Hunter" after her mother tragically died on the rocks in late March, had tirelessly monitored her situation.&nbsp;

Despite collaborating with fisheries officials, their attempts to release the calf in open waters had proved to be unsuccessful.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pune-man-says-goodbye-to-toxic-job-with-dhol-beats-dance-moves-outside-office-715404">WATCH: Pune man says goodbye to toxic job with dhol beats, dance moves outside office</a>

The rescue attempts reportedly included using a sling to transport her, playing recorded killer whale verbal communication to tempt her out of the remote lagoon, and even serenading her with violin music.

Then suddenly at 2:30 am local time on Friday, during high tide on a starry night, she "swam past the sand bar her mother passed away on, under the bridge, down Little Espinosa Inlet and onto Esperanza (Inlet) all on her own," the Ehattesaht First Nation said in a statement.

A small group of over lookers watched her go, it said, after being treated to "a long night of (her) breaching and playing."

The team later caught up with the orca calf in Esperanza Inlet, hoping to "encourage her out toward the open ocean where it is hoped that the Brave Little Hunter's calls will be heard by her family."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-first-personalised-mrna-cancer-vaccine-for-melanoma-undergoing-trials-in-hundreds-of-patients-715311">Ultimate cure to cancer? World’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma undergoing trials</a>

Although there has been tremendous public interest in the little whale's plight and efforts to save her, authorities have asked everyone to stay clear of the area and the whale itself in order to facilitate her reunion with kin.

(With inputs from agencies)

A lost orca (killer whale) calf, stranded for weeks in a shallow Vancouver Island lagoon in western Canada, dodging multiple rescue attempts swam free on Friday (Apr 26), according to a local Indigenous group.

A lost orca (killer whale) calf, stranded for weeks in a shallow Vancouver Island lagoon in western Canada, dodging multiple rescue attempts swam free on Friday (Apr 26), according to a local Indigenous group. The Ehattesaht First Nation, who named the orca calf "Brave Little Hunter" after her mother tragically died on the rocks in late March, had tirelessly monitored her situation. Despite collaborating with fisheries officials, their attempts to release the calf in open waters had proved to be unsuccessful. Also read: WATCH: Pune man says goodbye to toxic job with dhol beats, dance moves outside office The rescue attempts reportedly included using a sling to transport her, playing recorded killer whale verbal communication to tempt her out of the remote lagoon, and even serenading her with violin music. Then suddenly at 2:30 am local time on Friday, during high tide on a starry night, she "swam past the sand bar her mother passed away on, under the bridge, down Little Espinosa Inlet and onto Esperanza (Inlet) all on her own," the Ehattesaht First Nation said in a statement. A small group of over lookers watched her go, it said, after being treated to "a long night of (her) breaching and playing." The team later caught up with the orca calf in Esperanza Inlet, hoping to "encourage her out toward the open ocean where it is hoped that the Brave Little Hunter's calls will be heard by her family." Also read: Ultimate cure to cancer? World’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma undergoing trials Although there has been tremendous public interest in the little whale's plight and efforts to save her, authorities have asked everyone to stay clear of the area and the whale itself in order to facilitate her reunion with kin. (With inputs from agencies)

Orca calf trapped in Canadian lagoon successfully swims to open water

Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark.

<h2>Gruesome scene</h2>

The gruesome video on YouTube shows the moment an orca tears into the stomach of a massive 30-foot (nine metres) long whale shark before removing its liver.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/move-over-blue-whale-scientists-discover-40-million-year-old-earths-biggest-animal-ever-621809">Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth</a>

In the video, other nearby orcas can be heard clicking excitedly in a frenzy as their fellow killer whale swims away from the now dead shark that sinks lifelessly to the depths of the ocean.

<h2>A matter of seconds</h2>

Talking to Live Science, James Moskito, CEO of the California-based ocean tour operator Ocean Safaris, who captured the video during an expedition to the Gulf of California, said: "The killer whales start coming in and next I know they're biting the bottom of it (the victim shark)".

"It's literally over in a matter of seconds," remarks Moskito, adding, "They came in, they bit the bottom of the whale shark. Looks like they slurped in the liver and then the whale shark just fell and descended down, with no movement — I'm assuming it was dead."&nbsp;

The video was captured back in April. You can watch it here&nbsp;— viewer discretion is advised:

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As per Moskito, he and his companions later saw the orca pod attack and kill another whale shark. He recalls that they saw a whale shark "just thrashing at the surface with a killer whale attached to it."

<h2>Why is the video rare?</h2>

While, earlier, scientists have seen instances of orcas attacking juvenile whale sharks — there's also filmed evidence — this footage, as per Live Science, may be the first known video of killer whales attacking an adult whale shark.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-confirm-jellyfish-who-existed-about-500-million-years-before-early-human-beings-621617">Scientists confirm jellyfish who existed about 500 million years before early human beings</a>

Whale Sharks are the biggest species of Shark on this planet and can grow up to 60 feet or 18 metres long. Adults of the species have few natural predators. However, juvenile calves have been known to fall prey to orcas and tiger sharks.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark.

Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark. Gruesome scene The gruesome video on YouTube shows the moment an orca tears into the stomach of a massive 30-foot (nine metres) long whale shark before removing its liver. Also read | Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth In the video, other nearby orcas can be heard clicking excitedly in a frenzy as their fellow killer whale swims away from the now dead shark that sinks lifelessly to the depths of the ocean. A matter of seconds Talking to Live Science, James Moskito, CEO of the California-based ocean tour operator Ocean Safaris, who captured the video during an expedition to the Gulf of California, said: "The killer whales start coming in and next I know they're biting the bottom of it (the victim shark)". "It's literally over in a matter of seconds," remarks Moskito, adding, "They came in, they bit the bottom of the whale shark. Looks like they slurped in the liver and then the whale shark just fell and descended down, with no movement — I'm assuming it was dead." The video was captured back in April. You can watch it here — viewer discretion is advised: × As per Moskito, he and his companions later saw the orca pod attack and kill another whale shark. He recalls that they saw a whale shark "just thrashing at the surface with a killer whale attached to it." Why is the video rare? While, earlier, scientists have seen instances of orcas attacking juvenile whale sharks — there's also filmed evidence — this footage, as per Live Science, may be the first known video of killer whales attacking an adult whale shark. Also read | Scientists confirm jellyfish who existed about 500 million years before early human beings Whale Sharks are the biggest species of Shark on this planet and can grow up to 60 feet or 18 metres long. Adults of the species have few natural predators. However, juvenile calves have been known to fall prey to orcas and tiger sharks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rare video captures killer whale tearing into massive shark, 'slurping' its liver. Watch

Orcas or killer whales are the ocean's biggest predators. According to experts more than 50,000 of them exist across the world. A unique subpopulation of orcas - the Iberian killer whale - lives in the northeast Atlantic. The endangered species are creating headlines. Since 2020 they have been targeting vessels in the straits of Gibraltar near Spain.

Orcas targeting vessels in Gibraltar strait

Scientists researching an endangered population of orcas off the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the United States have discovered a "significant increase" in skin lesions on their bodies.

Scientists researching an endangered population of orcas off the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the United States have discovered a "significant increase" in skin lesions on their bodies. Scientists suspect that it was happening due to their immune systems' declining ability to deal with the disease. The findings of the research, titled - 'Epidemiology of skin changes in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)' - were published in PLOS ONE. The study mentioned that the researchers examined digital photographs of Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea to characterise skin changes and to determine if they could be an indicator of individual, pod, or population health. The photographs were obtained by the Center for Whale Research for identification purposes. The images included nearly 20,000 individual whale sightings in the Salish Sea, which provided invaluable data for remotely assessing the health of these endangered animals. The researchers have observed an increase in the prevalence of highly connected grey patches on the whales' skin from 2004 to 2016. The authors of the study are concerned despite not understanding what is causing the problem. The researchers surmise the reason behind such skin lesions on the animals' bodies could be because of an infectious agent, as they reject potential environmental factors, such as changes in water temperature or salinity. The study further mentioned that the situation might represent yet another huge threat to the health of the southern resident killer whale population, which is already dealing with a range of issues. It is mentioned in the study that the health significance of this is not clear, but the possible relationship between these lesions and decreasing body condition and immunocompetence in an endangered, non-recovering population is a matter of concern. Researchers have said that understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of these lesions is important to better understand the health significance of these skin changes that are increasing in prevalence. Wildlife veterinarian Joseph K Gaydos led the research. He is the science director for the SeaDoc Society, which is a programme of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis. As quoted by media reports, Gaydos said, "Before we looked at the data, we had no idea that the prevalence of these skin lesions were increasing so dramatically. It's worrisome. Now we need to try and isolate the potential infectious agent." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Skin disease in endangered killer whales alarm scientists

Great White Shark is the mean killing machine of the deep oceans. It is not often that you see in nature, a creature whose every fibre has evolved over millions of years for one purpose, to hunt. The great white has a nose that can detect a drop of blood in gallons of seawater, it has a superb submarine-like body that lets it swim vast distances efficiently. And finally, it has its feared jaws, immortalised by many movies as it was shown to (rather unfairly) chase and enjoy eating humans.&nbsp;

But the formidable lurker of the deep has been found to rather quickly run away from another predator. Can apex predator like the great white be actually scared of anything? It appears so.

Dyer Island in South Africa is considered to be Great White Shark capital of the world. Since 2017, researchers have recorded eight Great White Shark caracasses washed ashore. The number of great white sharks has dropped and they seem to be avoiding the waters in this area.

Initially, it was thought that overfishing and other human activities were driving the sharks away. But a research team led by marine biologist Alison Towner of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust found something else.

The wounds on these shark carcasses were distinctive. And almost all of them were missing liver or heart.

Using tracking data and information from local fisherfolk, the researchers zeroed in on what it was that was scaring Great White Sharks away.

It was a pair of Orca or Killer Whales. This pair was hunting the apex predator of the ocean and muching on the nutritious livers of their captured prey. The duo was so effcient in their hunting that remaining great whites scarpered away, not to be seen for months an end.

The team's findings have been published in African Journal of Marine Science.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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&nbsp;

Great White Shark is the mean killing machine of the deep oceans. It is not often that you see in nature, a creature whose every fibre has evolved over millions of years for one purpose, to hunt.

Great White Shark is the mean killing machine of the deep oceans. It is not often that you see in nature, a creature whose every fibre has evolved over millions of years for one purpose, to hunt. The great white has a nose that can detect a drop of blood in gallons of seawater, it has a superb submarine-like body that lets it swim vast distances efficiently. And finally, it has its feared jaws, immortalised by many movies as it was shown to (rather unfairly) chase and enjoy eating humans. But the formidable lurker of the deep has been found to rather quickly run away from another predator. Can apex predator like the great white be actually scared of anything? It appears so. Dyer Island in South Africa is considered to be Great White Shark capital of the world. Since 2017, researchers have recorded eight Great White Shark caracasses washed ashore. The number of great white sharks has dropped and they seem to be avoiding the waters in this area. Initially, it was thought that overfishing and other human activities were driving the sharks away. But a research team led by marine biologist Alison Towner of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust found something else. The wounds on these shark carcasses were distinctive. And almost all of them were missing liver or heart. Using tracking data and information from local fisherfolk, the researchers zeroed in on what it was that was scaring Great White Sharks away. It was a pair of Orca or Killer Whales. This pair was hunting the apex predator of the ocean and muching on the nutritious livers of their captured prey. The duo was so effcient in their hunting that remaining great whites scarpered away, not to be seen for months an end. The team's findings have been published in African Journal of Marine Science. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Great White Shark is king of the deep, but it is scared of this predator

From 'Acoustic Kitty' to 'Killer Whale': These animals are alleged spies

Reports say killer whale Hugo kept at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida decades ago reportedly died after suffering from brain aneurysm while ramming against the aquarium's enclosure since it was unhappy in captivity.

The famous orca had died on March 4, 1980, in the Florida aquarium. According to the Dolphin Project, Hugo was held in a "tiny pool" and stayed in the enclosure for two years and later moved into the tank alongside another whale Lolita.

Watch:

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The Dolphin Project said Hugo would "regularly and intentionally" bash his head against the walls of the tank even as the two orcas shared the seaquarium’s spotlight.

The act was an apparent suicide bid by the whale held at the&nbsp;seaquarium.

After 12 years of "performances and repeated brutal, self-inflicted damage to his head, Hugo died", it added.

Animal rights activists had earlier protested against Lolita's continued presence at the aquarium for the past 51 years. Lolita&nbsp;had arrived at Miami's seaquarium in 1970.

Lolita now 55 has reportedly been confined in a pool which activists say is too small.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say killer whale Hugo kept at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida decades ago reportedly died after suffering from brain aneurysm while ramming against the aquarium's enclosure since it was unhappy in captivity.

Reports say killer whale Hugo kept at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida decades ago reportedly died after suffering from brain aneurysm while ramming against the aquarium's enclosure since it was unhappy in captivity. The famous orca had died on March 4, 1980, in the Florida aquarium. According to the Dolphin Project, Hugo was held in a "tiny pool" and stayed in the enclosure for two years and later moved into the tank alongside another whale Lolita. Watch: The Dolphin Project said Hugo would "regularly and intentionally" bash his head against the walls of the tank even as the two orcas shared the seaquarium’s spotlight. The act was an apparent suicide bid by the whale held at the seaquarium. After 12 years of "performances and repeated brutal, self-inflicted damage to his head, Hugo died", it added. Animal rights activists had earlier protested against Lolita's continued presence at the aquarium for the past 51 years. Lolita had arrived at Miami's seaquarium in 1970. Lolita now 55 has reportedly been confined in a pool which activists say is too small. (With inputs from Agencies)

Tragic death of killer whale Hugo who bashed head against tank walls

In a heart-breaking incident, a “distressed” killer whale caged at a water park in Canada was filmed smashing her head against the side of the tank after outliving her five babies.

The 30-second clip was taken by anti-captivity activists at MarineLand, Niagara Falls, Canada,&nbsp;earlier this month and shared on social media.

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'World's loneliest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whale</a>': Heart-breaking footage shows 'distressed' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#orca</a> banging head against tank after outliving her 5 babies <a href="https://t.co/LO4D1NlGDT">pic.twitter.com/LO4D1NlGDT</a>
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The footage of Kiska, dubbed by the Whale Sanctuary Project as “the loneliest whale in the world”, was captured by anti-captivity activist and whistleblower Phil Demers, who used to work at the park in Ontario.

According to reports, the 44-year-old orca was born off the coast of Iceland and has been in captivity since 1979, according to Demers.&nbsp;

She has spent the last 10 years alone after outliving her tank mates, including her five offspring.

Killer whales are extremely social animals, which in the wild live in groups or 'pods' comprising of several multi-generational families.

“For over 40 years, she has suffered the loss of her freedom, her babies, and all of her tank mates,” British tabloid The Sun&nbsp;quoted UK-based Orca Rescues Foundation as saying.

“For the past 10, she has been in complete social isolation from others of her kind. This is what her loneliness, and her captivity, has done to her.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a heart-breaking incident, a “distressed” killer whale caged at a water park in Canada was filmed smashing her head against the side of the tank after outliving her five babies.

In a heart-breaking incident, a “distressed” killer whale caged at a water park in Canada was filmed smashing her head against the side of the tank after outliving her five babies. The 30-second clip was taken by anti-captivity activists at MarineLand, Niagara Falls, Canada, earlier this month and shared on social media. 'World's loneliest #whale': Heart-breaking footage shows 'distressed' #orca banging head against tank after outliving her 5 babies pic.twitter.com/LO4D1NlGDT — Hans Solo (@thandojo) September 13, 2021 × The footage of Kiska, dubbed by the Whale Sanctuary Project as “the loneliest whale in the world”, was captured by anti-captivity activist and whistleblower Phil Demers, who used to work at the park in Ontario. According to reports, the 44-year-old orca was born off the coast of Iceland and has been in captivity since 1979, according to Demers. She has spent the last 10 years alone after outliving her tank mates, including her five offspring. Killer whales are extremely social animals, which in the wild live in groups or 'pods' comprising of several multi-generational families. “For over 40 years, she has suffered the loss of her freedom, her babies, and all of her tank mates,” British tabloid The Sun quoted UK-based Orca Rescues Foundation as saying. “For the past 10, she has been in complete social isolation from others of her kind. This is what her loneliness, and her captivity, has done to her.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘World’s loneliest whale’: Footage showing distressed orca banging her head against a tank goes viral

Once hunted to near extinction, whales continue to face threats from marine pollution, ships & abandoned fishing gear. Why must these evolutionary marvels be protected?

Wion Wideangle: Whales under attack: Calls from the deep

Whales under attack: Calls from the deep | WION Wideangle

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums.

The release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beluga-whale-with-russian-harness-raises-alarm-in-norway-214660">eight beluga and killer whales </a>comes after a huge international outcry over the holding in captivity of nearly 100 of the marine mammals.

The move will be seen by some as a publicity stunt to boost the president's popularity amid falling approval ratings.

The whales have been held in enclosures in far eastern Russia since last summer by commercial firms that planned to deliver them to aquariums, including in China where the industry is booming.

Scientists and celebrities had called for their release.

On Thursday, a state television journalist reported live from a gangway beside the enclosures near the far eastern port town of Nakhodka after eight were taken away to be released in their native habitat in what she hailed as a "miraculous effect of the phone-in".

There has been a debate over whether to release the whales directly from the pens off the port of Nakhodka or, in a much more costly process, return them to the Sea of Okhotsk where they were caught -- more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) to the north.

Russian officials said the eight whales, and others still in captivity, would all be freed in the Sea of Okhotosk.

"Right now two killer whales and six belugas are being taken to the Shantar Islands to finally set them free," the TV reporter said.

The feel-good resolution to the controversy was reached during Putin's phone-in, where he often resolves ordinary people's problems on the spot and upbraids officials.

Putin, who has previously taken part in tagging an endangered beluga whale to help conservation research, said that the issue had been the animals' high commercial value.

"The killer whales alone -- as far as I know -- are worth around 100 million dollars... When it's big money, problems are always hard to solve," Putin said.

"Thank God things have started moving."

Russian television filmed a container with whales being loaded onto a truck with a crane early in the morning on Thursday.

The whales will travel partly by boat along the Amur River, a television reporter said.

Deputy prime minister Alexei Gordeyev told Putin live on air that the government would change the law to ban hunting whales for "educational and cultural purposes" - a loophole used to capture these whales.

He said that the "right decision was taken on the recommendation of scientists" to release the mammals in their native habitat.

It will take "around four months" to release all the whales in the groups that they have been living in, he said.

The companies that caught the whales have been fined.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums. The release of eight beluga and killer whales comes after a huge international outcry over the holding in captivity of nearly 100 of the marine mammals. The move will be seen by some as a publicity stunt to boost the president's popularity amid falling approval ratings. The whales have been held in enclosures in far eastern Russia since last summer by commercial firms that planned to deliver them to aquariums, including in China where the industry is booming. Scientists and celebrities had called for their release. On Thursday, a state television journalist reported live from a gangway beside the enclosures near the far eastern port town of Nakhodka after eight were taken away to be released in their native habitat in what she hailed as a "miraculous effect of the phone-in". There has been a debate over whether to release the whales directly from the pens off the port of Nakhodka or, in a much more costly process, return them to the Sea of Okhotsk where they were caught -- more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) to the north. Russian officials said the eight whales, and others still in captivity, would all be freed in the Sea of Okhotosk. "Right now two killer whales and six belugas are being taken to the Shantar Islands to finally set them free," the TV reporter said. The feel-good resolution to the controversy was reached during Putin's phone-in, where he often resolves ordinary people's problems on the spot and upbraids officials. Putin, who has previously taken part in tagging an endangered beluga whale to help conservation research, said that the issue had been the animals' high commercial value. "The killer whales alone -- as far as I know -- are worth around 100 million dollars... When it's big money, problems are always hard to solve," Putin said. "Thank God things have started moving." Russian television filmed a container with whales being loaded onto a truck with a crane early in the morning on Thursday. The whales will travel partly by boat along the Amur River, a television reporter said. Deputy prime minister Alexei Gordeyev told Putin live on air that the government would change the law to ban hunting whales for "educational and cultural purposes" - a loophole used to capture these whales. He said that the "right decision was taken on the recommendation of scientists" to release the mammals in their native habitat. It will take "around four months" to release all the whales in the groups that they have been living in, he said. The companies that caught the whales have been fined.

Putin helps free beluga, killer whales in phone-in amid falling approval ratings

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