A pair of orcas did something unbelievable in the Gulf of California, headbutting into a sunfish with such power that it exploded into several pieces. Orcas are extremely aggressive predators, but this was unlike anything scientists had seen before. The sunfish was already dead, but it is enormous, bony and weighs 2,000 kilograms. So feeding on it is not easy for the orcas. The technique is a way to process the food so that the younger calves can consume it easily. However, it is also possible that they are doing it purely for fun.&nbsp;The observations were published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology on July 23. The researchers dubbed this behaviour "ram-to-fragment." They observed it happening twice, in 2024 and 2025. The aim was not to kill the sunfish, since it was already dead, but to split it into fragments to make it easier for the young to feed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The video shows one orca holding a sharp-tail sunfish, as its partner rams into it at full speed. The first fish releases it moments before impact, after which the carcass explodes, sending the flesh flying all around the sea.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sharks-expected-to-invade-california-beaches-as-super-el-nino-heats-up-the-pacific-1784627452211">Sharks expected to invade California beaches as Super El Nino heats up the Pacific</a>&nbsp;Kathryn Ayres, a scientist at the conservation nonprofit Beneath the Waves, told Live Science, "It was unlike anything I'd witnessed before." Orcas have been seen using this technique in the past as well, but never before have scientists seen one bursting.

<h2>Orca smashes sunfish into hundreds of pieces</h2>The first encounter was recorded in July 2024 off Baja California Sur, Mexico. An adult female orca held the tail-like clavus, or rudder, while an adult male orca zoomed towards it, as the female released the fish seconds before the male struck. A loud boom can be heard, as Ayres lets out an "Oh my god!" in shock.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/monster-fish-20-times-their-original-size-are-swarming-scottish-lochs-1784096631032">'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs</a>&nbsp;A young orca then comes and feeds on the pieces of flesh, while the adults eat what's on the carcass. "I had also seen orcas ram their prey previously, but I had never witnessed an impact powerful enough to completely fragment the tissue like this," Ayres said.&nbsp;Diver Héctor Franz recorded the second scene in September 2025, where a similar scene unfolded. Orcas have been previously documented using the same technique on whale sharks, taking turns ramming into them.

Orcas were seen doing something unthinkable in the  Gulf of California. A pair got hold of a sunfish, with one of them holding it and the other ramming into it at full speed, breaking it into several pieces. The mid-sea action left scientists stunned.

A pair of orcas did something unbelievable in the Gulf of California, headbutting into a sunfish with such power that it exploded into several pieces. Orcas are extremely aggressive predators, but this was unlike anything scientists had seen before. The sunfish was already dead, but it is enormous, bony and weighs 2,000 kilograms. So feeding on it is not easy for the orcas. The technique is a way to process the food so that the younger calves can consume it easily. However, it is also possible that they are doing it purely for fun. The observations were published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology on July 23. The researchers dubbed this behaviour "ram-to-fragment." They observed it happening twice, in 2024 and 2025. The aim was not to kill the sunfish, since it was already dead, but to split it into fragments to make it easier for the young to feed. The video shows one orca holding a sharp-tail sunfish, as its partner rams into it at full speed. The first fish releases it moments before impact, after which the carcass explodes, sending the flesh flying all around the sea. Also Read: Sharks expected to invade California beaches as Super El Nino heats up the Pacific Kathryn Ayres, a scientist at the conservation nonprofit Beneath the Waves, told Live Science, "It was unlike anything I'd witnessed before." Orcas have been seen using this technique in the past as well, but never before have scientists seen one bursting.

Orcas were seen doing something unthinkable in the &nbsp;Gulf of California. A pair got hold of a sunfish, with one of them holding it and the other ramming into it at full speed, breaking it into several pieces. The mid-sea action left scientists stunned.

'Oh my god!' Orca deliberately rams into sunfish so hard that it exploded. For food or fun?

Hundreds of whales and dolphins were captured and slaughtered off the coast of the Faroe Islands in a sickening tradition where innocent animals are hunted for meat as people watch. The sea turned red with blood, as disturbing pictures show carcasses lined up on the shore. Locally known as ‘the grind’, the annual hunt is a Viking tradition in which pilot whales and dolphins are driven into shallow waters with boats. Nearly 700 of them were killed with hooks and knives after being beached. Children were among those gathered who watched as their bodies were slashed open. The carcasses were piled and hauled off, strung up and mutilated.&nbsp;The scenes from the 27 May hint show fishermen moving through red water as dozens of carcasses lie dead on beaches. Valentina Crast, campaign director for the Faroe Islands at global marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd, said there was pure chaos on the day. He urged European governments to call for a ban on the practice. According to Sea Shepherd, 402 pilot whales and four bottlenose dolphins were killed in Tórshavn, 168 white-sided dolphins were killed in Skalabotnur, and 132 white-sided dolphins were killed in Hvalvik, taking the total to 706.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-identify-deadly-whale-virus-linked-to-mass-strandings-from-just-their-breath-1766153318099">Scientists identify deadly whale virus linked to mass strandings from just their breath</a><h2>PETA on whale hunt in Faroe Islands</h2>Elisa Allen, vice president of programmes at PETA, told The Independent, "The animals cry out in pain. Whole families are slaughtered, and some animals are seen swimming around in their family members’ blood for hours. Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent and feel pain and fear every bit as much as humans do."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/26-dead-orcas-wash-ashore-in-argentina-as-scientists-struggle-to-pinpoint-what-killed-them-1760615302176">26 dead orcas wash ashore in Argentina as scientists struggle to pinpoint what killed them</a>&nbsp;Animal rights activists say the 1,000-year-old practice is outdated and barbaric, while the Faroese state, an autonomous territory of Denmark, argues the hunt is a key part of the region’s cultural identity and provides free food for the community. Supporters say whaling is a sustainable way of gathering food and an important part of local identity. Activists claim that the practice causes considerable stress to the animals, who are intelligent, social animals.&nbsp;<h2>The Faroe Islands says modern methods reduce stress on animals</h2>However, authorities maintain that the hunt is carefully regulated and the methods used ensure minimal suffering. They further claim that pilot whale populations in the North Atlantic remain healthy. The Faroese parliament this year voted unanimously to protect whalers from prosecution for welfare violations. They ensured local hunting regulations took precedence over the territory’s animal welfare laws.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Over 700 whales and dolphins were killed as part of the annual whale hunt at the Faroe Islands. Pictures show seawater red with blood as carcasses lie on top of each other. Animal rights activists have been calling for a ban, but the whalers are protected by the parliament.

Hundreds of whales and dolphins were captured and slaughtered off the coast of the Faroe Islands in a sickening tradition where innocent animals are hunted for meat as people watch. The sea turned red with blood, as disturbing pictures show carcasses lined up on the shore. Locally known as ‘the grind’, the annual hunt is a Viking tradition in which pilot whales and dolphins are driven into shallow waters with boats. Nearly 700 of them were killed with hooks and knives after being beached. Children were among those gathered who watched as their bodies were slashed open. The carcasses were piled and hauled off, strung up and mutilated. The scenes from the 27 May hint show fishermen moving through red water as dozens of carcasses lie dead on beaches. Valentina Crast, campaign director for the Faroe Islands at global marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd, said there was pure chaos on the day. He urged European governments to call for a ban on the practice. According to Sea Shepherd, 402 pilot whales and four bottlenose dolphins were killed in Tórshavn, 168 white-sided dolphins were killed in Skalabotnur, and 132 white-sided dolphins were killed in Hvalvik, taking the total to 706. Also Read: Scientists identify deadly whale virus linked to mass strandings from just their breath PETA on whale hunt in Faroe Islands Elisa Allen, vice president of programmes at PETA, told The Independent, "The animals cry out in pain. Whole families are slaughtered, and some animals are seen swimming around in their family members’ blood for hours. Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent and feel pain and fear every bit as much as humans do." Also Read: 26 dead orcas wash ashore in Argentina as scientists struggle to pinpoint what killed them Animal rights activists say the 1,000-year-old practice is outdated and barbaric, while the Faroese state, an autonomous territory of Denmark, argues the hunt is a key part of the region’s cultural identity and provides free food for the community. Supporters say whaling is a sustainable way of gathering food and an important part of local identity. Activists claim that the practice causes considerable stress to the animals, who are intelligent, social animals. The Faroe Islands says modern methods reduce stress on animals However, authorities maintain that the hunt is carefully regulated and the methods used ensure minimal suffering. They further claim that pilot whale populations in the North Atlantic remain healthy. The Faroese parliament this year voted unanimously to protect whalers from prosecution for welfare violations. They ensured local hunting regulations took precedence over the territory’s animal welfare laws.

Over 700 whales and dolphins were killed as part of the annual whale hunt at the Faroe Islands. Pictures show seawater red with blood as carcasses lie on top of each other. Animal rights activists have been calling for a ban, but the whalers are protected by the parliament.

1,000-year-old Viking tradition sees over 700 whales and dolphins massacred

For decades, lighthouses, standing alone on a small island in the middle of nowhere, have induced fear among visitors. Many of them have creepy stories associated with them, leading to claims that they are haunted. However, turns out a deep-sea creature was causing all the pandemonium, scaring the hell out of caretakers at lighthouses. According to new research, a strange sound and rumbling that is often heard in these structures is nothing but humpback whales sneezing. They are so powerful that they can travel for five miles and even be felt inside these buildings. This particular finding comes from Alaska, where the region's humpback whales have been scaring lighthouse keepers and fishermen. Fred Sharpe, a biologist with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), led the team that studied the Five Finger lighthouse in Frederick Sound, in southeast Alaska.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-scientists-capture-rare-footage-showing-sperm-whales-assisting-mother-during-birth-1774622419101">Scientists capture rare footage showing sperm whales assisting mother during birth</a><h2>Humpback whales sneezing and sniffing - Are humans missing alien calls too?</h2>&nbsp;Sharpe said the noise could be either a self-soothing sigh or a sneeze, and sounds like distant thunder, the rumble of an elephant or machinery. They are between 30 and 300 hertz and sound "more mechanical" when heard from a distance. Scientists say the findings can be used to trace the region that is the source of the sounds, which will help locate these creatures and prevent collisions. Sharpe has another interesting analogy stemming from the humpback whales' sneezing. He told The Times that the whales have been sighing and sneezing for centuries, yet we have never been able to recognise them. If this is the case with Earth, humans may have also been missing the call of aliens. "If conspicuous sounds from our beloved whales are falling on deaf ears, goodness knows what cosmic signals might fall under the radar," he told the outlet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-stumble-upon-a-brand-new-penguin-species-hidden-for-300-000-years-1778752352893">Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years</a><h2>Talking to a whale</h2>Sharpe was previously part of a team which had a conversation with a 38-year-old humpback whale named Twain. Researchers from the SETI Institute and UC Davis spoke to the marine creature using a pre-recorded contact call. This was the first time that humans and the whales had talked to each other in their own language. The team proposed that this method could be used to talk to extraterrestrials in the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The creepy, haunting sounds heard at lighthouses over the years are not linked to paranormal phenomena. The rumblings are common in these structures and are actually coming from deep inside the ocean. 

For decades, lighthouses, standing alone on a small island in the middle of nowhere, have induced fear among visitors. Many of them have creepy stories associated with them, leading to claims that they are haunted. However, turns out a deep-sea creature was causing all the pandemonium, scaring the hell out of caretakers at lighthouses. According to new research, a strange sound and rumbling that is often heard in these structures is nothing but humpback whales sneezing. They are so powerful that they can travel for five miles and even be felt inside these buildings. This particular finding comes from Alaska, where the region's humpback whales have been scaring lighthouse keepers and fishermen. Fred Sharpe, a biologist with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), led the team that studied the Five Finger lighthouse in Frederick Sound, in southeast Alaska. Also Read: Scientists capture rare footage showing sperm whales assisting mother during birth Humpback whales sneezing and sniffing - Are humans missing alien calls too? Sharpe said the noise could be either a self-soothing sigh or a sneeze, and sounds like distant thunder, the rumble of an elephant or machinery. They are between 30 and 300 hertz and sound "more mechanical" when heard from a distance. Scientists say the findings can be used to trace the region that is the source of the sounds, which will help locate these creatures and prevent collisions. Sharpe has another interesting analogy stemming from the humpback whales' sneezing. He told The Times that the whales have been sighing and sneezing for centuries, yet we have never been able to recognise them. If this is the case with Earth, humans may have also been missing the call of aliens. "If conspicuous sounds from our beloved whales are falling on deaf ears, goodness knows what cosmic signals might fall under the radar," he told the outlet. Also Read: Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years Talking to a whale Sharpe was previously part of a team which had a conversation with a 38-year-old humpback whale named Twain. Researchers from the SETI Institute and UC Davis spoke to the marine creature using a pre-recorded contact call. This was the first time that humans and the whales had talked to each other in their own language. The team proposed that this method could be used to talk to extraterrestrials in the future.

The creepy, haunting sounds heard at lighthouses over the years are not linked to paranormal phenomena. The rumblings are common in these structures and are actually coming from deep inside the ocean.&nbsp;

Shhh! That creepy sound is not a ghost in the lighthouse, it's just a marine creature sneezing

Scientists have found the reason for the vanishing of Great White Sharks in a South African Bay. The numbers started to dwindle in 2015, and by 2018, oceanographers found almost no traces of this beast. It remained a mystery for the longest time, before they finally zeroed in on the culprits - Orcas Port and Starboard. David Hurwitz, a whale-watching tour operator, was the first to see two male orcas hunting and killing sharks. They were hunting in pairs, when orcas typically hunt in groups. They were not trying to eat the whole animal and instead only targeted the liver for its dense calories. In 2022, five more orcas were seen working in cahoots, targeting a great white shark to remove its liver in one swift motion. What shocked the scientists the most was that great whites were never the prey. So when they faced this sudden threat from killer whales, they fled the sea and moved to other coastlines.<h2>Orca pair hunting Great White Sharks</h2>The great mystery of the disappearance of the sharks led scientists to do a deep dive. CBS News this year, and the Washington Post last year, carried out separate investigations to uncover the reason for the creatures leaving the False Bay near Cape Town. Wildlife photographer Chris Fallows documented witnessing around 250 to 300 different great white sharks in the area before 2015. Then, marine biologist Alison Kock came across smaller shark carcasses on the sea floor. They had surgical-looking incisions, which were so clean that they appeared to have been made by humans. Further investigation revealed that they were tooth marks from orcas that her team saw hunting in their study area. Two years later, great white shark carcasses started washing ashore, and all of them had the same incision marks. Necropsies confirmed that orcas have been feeding on great whites, specifically for their livers. This meant that the killer whales had found a new source of food, driving the great whites away in fear.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/human-contact-has-scarred-80-per-cent-of-whale-sharks-in-popular-tourist-waters-scientists-warn-1756387171193">Humans have injured 80% of whale sharks in THIS popular tourist waters</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541">Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</a><h2>Are humans passing the blame onto Orcas?</h2>Orcas have never been known to hunt in pairs, which made this finding extremely intriguing. Second, they seem to have passed on their knowledge to other killer whales, as five of them were seen killing one great white in 2022. Although whales hunt sharks off the coast of California and around Australia, it had never been seen in South Africa. More shockingly, the sharks eventually return in the former regions, but not in South Africa. Kock told CBS News that Great white sharks are apex predators, but orcas are smart hunters and "learning all the time." However, Italian marine biologist Enrico Gennari blames humans for their disappearance. He says great whites are getting stuck in long-line hooks in commercial fishing boats. He added that South African nets and baited hooks meant to protect swimmers kill more than 20 great whites every year.&nbsp;

Great White Sharks have vanished in a Cape Town bay. Scientists say a murderous pair is killing them for their livers, which led the apex predator to escape. But some say humans are killing more sharks than any orcas can.  

Scientists have found the reason for the vanishing of Great White Sharks in a South African Bay. The numbers started to dwindle in 2015, and by 2018, oceanographers found almost no traces of this beast. It remained a mystery for the longest time, before they finally zeroed in on the culprits - Orcas Port and Starboard. David Hurwitz, a whale-watching tour operator, was the first to see two male orcas hunting and killing sharks. They were hunting in pairs, when orcas typically hunt in groups. They were not trying to eat the whole animal and instead only targeted the liver for its dense calories. In 2022, five more orcas were seen working in cahoots, targeting a great white shark to remove its liver in one swift motion. What shocked the scientists the most was that great whites were never the prey. So when they faced this sudden threat from killer whales, they fled the sea and moved to other coastlines. Orca pair hunting Great White Sharks The great mystery of the disappearance of the sharks led scientists to do a deep dive. CBS News this year, and the Washington Post last year, carried out separate investigations to uncover the reason for the creatures leaving the False Bay near Cape Town. Wildlife photographer Chris Fallows documented witnessing around 250 to 300 different great white sharks in the area before 2015. Then, marine biologist Alison Kock came across smaller shark carcasses on the sea floor. They had surgical-looking incisions, which were so clean that they appeared to have been made by humans. Further investigation revealed that they were tooth marks from orcas that her team saw hunting in their study area. Two years later, great white shark carcasses started washing ashore, and all of them had the same incision marks. Necropsies confirmed that orcas have been feeding on great whites, specifically for their livers. This meant that the killer whales had found a new source of food, driving the great whites away in fear. Also Read: Humans have injured 80% of whale sharks in THIS popular tourist waters Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world Are humans passing the blame onto Orcas? Orcas have never been known to hunt in pairs, which made this finding extremely intriguing. Second, they seem to have passed on their knowledge to other killer whales, as five of them were seen killing one great white in 2022. Although whales hunt sharks off the coast of California and around Australia, it had never been seen in South Africa. More shockingly, the sharks eventually return in the former regions, but not in South Africa. Kock told CBS News that Great white sharks are apex predators, but orcas are smart hunters and "learning all the time." However, Italian marine biologist Enrico Gennari blames humans for their disappearance. He says great whites are getting stuck in long-line hooks in commercial fishing boats. He added that South African nets and baited hooks meant to protect swimmers kill more than 20 great whites every year.

Great White Sharks have vanished in a Cape Town bay. Scientists say a murderous pair is killing them for their livers, which led the apex predator to escape. But some say humans are killing more sharks than any orcas can. &nbsp;

Marauding couple on liver hunt triggered a great vanishing in South Africa

Watch the rare video: In a rare and remarkable moment, scientists captured the birth of a sperm whale on camera. What surprised them most was the presence of multiple whales assisting the mother and guiding the newborn to the surface. This discovery reveals new insights into whale social behaviour, intelligence and cooperation.


Whale Birth Caught Live for First Time | Whales Helps Mother & Newborn

Parts of England and Wales are under heavy rain and flood warnings as persistent downpours continue. The Met Office has issued numerous yellow alerts, with rivers rising and travel disruption likely. Communities are bracing for further rain and possible flooding as wet weather shows little sign of easing.


UK: Flood Alerts Across England & Wales 

Scientists studying whales, wild humpback, sperm and fin whales in northern Norway, have registered a double win. They have identified a deadly whale virus, known as cetacean morbillivirus, circulating above the Arctic Circle, by just studying their exhaled breath, also known as "blow". This is a breakthrough in non-invasive health monitoring methods for these creatures in Arctic regions. This was done using drones, and scientists say such methods can help detect the virus early, as it has been linked to several mass strandings of whales and dolphins worldwide. &nbsp;King's College London and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in the UK were part of the study, and they published their findings in BMC Veterinary Research.&nbsp;Consumer drones equipped with sterile Petri dishes hovered over whale blowholes to capture respiratory droplets between 2016 and 2025. The samples were taken from humpback, sperm, and fin whales across the Northeast Atlantic, including northern Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Along with blow samples, skin biopsies, and an organ sample were screened for infectious agents in the lab. "Drone blow sampling is a game-changer. It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems," co-author of the study, Professor Terry Dawson of the Department of Geography, King's College London, said.<h2>Virus is linked to many mass mortality events</h2>They found cetacean morbillivirus in humpback whale groups in northern Norway, a sperm whale, and a stranded pilot whale. A strain of this virus was first identified in dolphins. The highly pathogenic virus infecting whales, dolphins and porpoises, researchers said. Since its discovery in 1987, the virus has triggered multiple mass mortality events in cetacean populations. It causes respiratory issues in the animals, along with neurological and immune damage.&nbsp;Scientists are worried that the virus can spread during feeding interactions in winter when humans and birds come in contact with the whales. They also found herpesviruses in the whales, but no traces of avian influenza virus or the bacteria Brucella were detected. Helena Costa, lead author at Nord University, said, "Going forward, the priority is to continue using these methods for long-term surveillance."&nbsp;

Scientists have detected a deadly whale virus, known as cetacean morbillivirus, in the animals in Norway using a method where they simply collected samples from whale blow, the droplets from their breath. 

Scientists studying whales, wild humpback, sperm and fin whales in northern Norway, have registered a double win. They have identified a deadly whale virus, known as cetacean morbillivirus, circulating above the Arctic Circle, by just studying their exhaled breath, also known as "blow". This is a breakthrough in non-invasive health monitoring methods for these creatures in Arctic regions. This was done using drones, and scientists say such methods can help detect the virus early, as it has been linked to several mass strandings of whales and dolphins worldwide. King's College London and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in the UK were part of the study, and they published their findings in BMC Veterinary Research. Consumer drones equipped with sterile Petri dishes hovered over whale blowholes to capture respiratory droplets between 2016 and 2025. The samples were taken from humpback, sperm, and fin whales across the Northeast Atlantic, including northern Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Along with blow samples, skin biopsies, and an organ sample were screened for infectious agents in the lab. "Drone blow sampling is a game-changer. It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems," co-author of the study, Professor Terry Dawson of the Department of Geography, King's College London, said. Virus is linked to many mass mortality events They found cetacean morbillivirus in humpback whale groups in northern Norway, a sperm whale, and a stranded pilot whale. A strain of this virus was first identified in dolphins. The highly pathogenic virus infecting whales, dolphins and porpoises, researchers said. Since its discovery in 1987, the virus has triggered multiple mass mortality events in cetacean populations. It causes respiratory issues in the animals, along with neurological and immune damage. Scientists are worried that the virus can spread during feeding interactions in winter when humans and birds come in contact with the whales. They also found herpesviruses in the whales, but no traces of avian influenza virus or the bacteria Brucella were detected. Helena Costa, lead author at Nord University, said, "Going forward, the priority is to continue using these methods for long-term surveillance."

Scientists have detected a deadly whale virus, known as cetacean morbillivirus, in the animals in Norway using a method where they simply collected samples from whale blow, the droplets from their breath.&nbsp;

Scientists identify deadly whale virus linked to mass strandings from just their breath

A disturbing scene was witnessed in Argentina this week when 26 orca killer whales washed up dead on a beach in the southern part of the country. The mass stranding is being investigated and is only the third such occurrence in recorded history globally. This was also the first time that multiple orcas were stranded on the Atlantic coast of the Tierra del Fuego Province. The grim discovery was made in San Sebastián Bay on the southern tip of Argentina. Someone initially spotted two dead orcas and alerted the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the Southern Center for Scientific Investigation (CADIC). When the researchers reached the site, they started investigating the whales. Soon they learned that there were not two, but 26 orcas OF the same ecotype D family that had washed up dead.&nbsp;The other whales were in nooks and crannies that were hard to access. Scientists from both organisations said they had never seen such a mass stranding in over 10 years. CONICET spokesperson Mónica Torres said: “What really surprised us in this case was the number of specimens in total. “We’ve been monitoring the bay and entire Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego all year round for over 10 years, and we’ve never recorded so many stranded animals before." Upon analysis, they did not find any injury marks on the killer whales. This meant that they were not struck by any ship, nor were they caught in fishing nets. Decomposition levels showed that all of them became stranded at the same time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dead-dolphins-with-alzheimer-s-brain-washing-ashore-in-florida-carry-a-warning-for-humans-1760506168959">Dead dolphins with 'Alzheimer's brain' washing ashore in Florida carry a warning for humans</a> &nbsp;<h2>The largest stranding of dead orcas ever</h2>Torres added that these orcas aren't exactly whales, but a species within the orca group. “These in particular are called an ecotype, which is like a species within the orca group that’s not well known. That also caught our attention," she said. The investigation into their deaths will entail cutting them open and checking their organs for signs of internal injuries. She said that the large tidal range of almost 56ft at San Sebastián Bay could have also led to the stranding. “Perhaps animals that enter at high tide or when the tide goes out quickly can become stranded if they are not familiar with the area," she said. The last two incidents of such a mass stranding were recorded in New Zealand when about 17 orcas washed ashore, and in the Strait of Magellan in 2020 when nine dead orcas were discovered.&nbsp;

Dead orcas wash ashore in Argentina: Scientists were shocked to find 26 dead killer whales spread in a wide area in the San Sebastián Bay this week. What killed them is not known. This is the biggest such stranding recorded globally. 

A disturbing scene was witnessed in Argentina this week when 26 orca killer whales washed up dead on a beach in the southern part of the country. The mass stranding is being investigated and is only the third such occurrence in recorded history globally. This was also the first time that multiple orcas were stranded on the Atlantic coast of the Tierra del Fuego Province. The grim discovery was made in San Sebastián Bay on the southern tip of Argentina. Someone initially spotted two dead orcas and alerted the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the Southern Center for Scientific Investigation (CADIC). When the researchers reached the site, they started investigating the whales. Soon they learned that there were not two, but 26 orcas OF the same ecotype D family that had washed up dead. The other whales were in nooks and crannies that were hard to access. Scientists from both organisations said they had never seen such a mass stranding in over 10 years. CONICET spokesperson Mónica Torres said: “What really surprised us in this case was the number of specimens in total. “We’ve been monitoring the bay and entire Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego all year round for over 10 years, and we’ve never recorded so many stranded animals before." Upon analysis, they did not find any injury marks on the killer whales. This meant that they were not struck by any ship, nor were they caught in fishing nets. Decomposition levels showed that all of them became stranded at the same time. Also Read: Dead dolphins with 'Alzheimer's brain' washing ashore in Florida carry a warning for humans The largest stranding of dead orcas ever Torres added that these orcas aren't exactly whales, but a species within the orca group. “These in particular are called an ecotype, which is like a species within the orca group that’s not well known. That also caught our attention," she said. The investigation into their deaths will entail cutting them open and checking their organs for signs of internal injuries. She said that the large tidal range of almost 56ft at San Sebastián Bay could have also led to the stranding. “Perhaps animals that enter at high tide or when the tide goes out quickly can become stranded if they are not familiar with the area," she said. The last two incidents of such a mass stranding were recorded in New Zealand when about 17 orcas washed ashore, and in the Strait of Magellan in 2020 when nine dead orcas were discovered.

Dead orcas wash ashore in Argentina: Scientists were shocked to find 26 dead killer whales spread in a wide area in the San Sebastián Bay this week. What killed them is not known. This is the biggest such stranding recorded globally.&nbsp;

26 dead orcas wash ashore in Argentina as scientists struggle to pinpoint what killed them

Why do sperm whales have such large heads? A study found that they use them ramming devices to gain female attention. Why don't they get injured then? The sperm whale's head contains a sac that prevents fractures.

How sperm whales ram without breaking their skulls? A ploy for female attention

A Canadian theme park has issued an ultimatum to its government over 30 beluga whales, which it says it would have to euthanise. Officials of Marineland Park near Niagara Falls say that they do not have the funds to feed and house the whales. So their only option is to either ship them off to China or kill them. However, their request to export 30 belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China, was denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson earlier this week. The park is now asking for emergency funds. Meanwhile, Thompson says her decision is based on a 2019 law which makes it illegal to use whales and dolphins in entertainment shows or keep them in captivity. So park officials are now asking the Canadian government for funds, or for the name of another sanctuary that would take them in.&nbsp;Marineland officials say that Chimelong was the only place the belugas could go, as no other sanctuary that could help exists, while the rest of the marine parks do not have enough room. Park officials say they are in debt and quickly running out of money. Worryingly, according to data gathered by the Canadian Press news agency, 20 whales - one killer whale and 19 belugas - have died at the park since 2019. Marineland is up for sale after shutting its doors to the public in 2024.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541">Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</a> &nbsp;<h2>French park showed trainers stimulating male orca</h2>Marineland of Antibes in southern France is facing a similar problem. The park shut down in January this year, but those concerned could not agree on where to send the orca whales. So now there, Wikie, 24, and her 11-year-old son Keijo are at the park in their pools. Keijo is reaching sexual maturity, but there are no other females at the park. An overhead footage in August taken by activist group TideBreakers showed two trainers stimulating the male orca to stop him from inbreeding with his mother. The park managers told BBC that they decided to sexually stimulate Keijo [to relieve him of his] tensions", and also to avoid them from fighting and injuring each other.&nbsp;

Marineland Park near Niagara Falls is preparing to kill 30 beluga whales. The government has denied its request to send the whales to China, citing a law passed in 2019. Park officials are in a tizzy over what to do next.

A Canadian theme park has issued an ultimatum to its government over 30 beluga whales, which it says it would have to euthanise. Officials of Marineland Park near Niagara Falls say that they do not have the funds to feed and house the whales. So their only option is to either ship them off to China or kill them. However, their request to export 30 belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China, was denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson earlier this week. The park is now asking for emergency funds. Meanwhile, Thompson says her decision is based on a 2019 law which makes it illegal to use whales and dolphins in entertainment shows or keep them in captivity. So park officials are now asking the Canadian government for funds, or for the name of another sanctuary that would take them in. Marineland officials say that Chimelong was the only place the belugas could go, as no other sanctuary that could help exists, while the rest of the marine parks do not have enough room. Park officials say they are in debt and quickly running out of money. Worryingly, according to data gathered by the Canadian Press news agency, 20 whales - one killer whale and 19 belugas - have died at the park since 2019. Marineland is up for sale after shutting its doors to the public in 2024. Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world French park showed trainers stimulating male orca Marineland of Antibes in southern France is facing a similar problem. The park shut down in January this year, but those concerned could not agree on where to send the orca whales. So now there, Wikie, 24, and her 11-year-old son Keijo are at the park in their pools. Keijo is reaching sexual maturity, but there are no other females at the park. An overhead footage in August taken by activist group TideBreakers showed two trainers stimulating the male orca to stop him from inbreeding with his mother. The park managers told BBC that they decided to sexually stimulate Keijo [to relieve him of his] tensions", and also to avoid them from fighting and injuring each other.

Marineland Park near Niagara Falls is preparing to kill 30 beluga whales. The government has denied its request to send the whales to China, citing a law passed in 2019. Park officials are in a tizzy over what to do next.

Canadian park says, either send 30 beluga whales to China, or we kill them. Here's why

Two male killer whales are on a killing spree in the waters off the coast of South Africa. These creatures are known to make small work of great white sharks - they hunt them down, pull out their livers and leave them to die. Marine biologists are puzzled to see the orcas display such gruesome behaviour, especially against someone as massive as the white sharks that are considered mighty predators in the ocean.
These two killer whales are named Port and Starboard and have reportedly killed dozens of sharks, Washington Post reported. Most of their victims were the great whites who could not escape the marine murderers. Those who have witnessed the whales killing the sharks are amazed by their skill of clearly cutting through the belly to rip out the liver. They then heartlessly leave the sharks to die.
&nbsp;
<h2>More orcas are killing sharks</h2>
Experts say that Port and Starboard are not the only killer whales hunting the sharks. However, they are the most known ones since they have always been seen hunting as a pair.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whale-makes-worlds-longest-and-most-unusual-migrations-783188" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Humpback whale makes world's longest and most unusual migration</a>
They are believed to belong to a larger group of whales and break off to go on their own killing spree.
The whales killing the sharks has caused widespread ecological repercussions. The sharks, in their bid to escape the danger zones, have relocated. Their absence has disrupted the food chain, leading to a rise in the number of animals that made up their food, including Cape fur seals, the publication reported. In the absence of their predator, the seals and other creatures have been going all out against their prey.
<h2>When did the killing spree begin?</h2>
Marine biologists say that False Bay near Cape Town was once dominated by great white sharks. During an hour-long dive, one could easily spot dozens of them at Miller's Point.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/another-doomsday-fish-makes-an-appearance-this-time-in-australia-761868" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Another 'doomsday fish' makes an appearance, this time in Australia</a>
In 2009, the orcas, or the killer whales, entered the region. They fed on common dolphins and humpback whales and lived peacefully with the sharks. But in Nov, 2015, the sharks vanished overnight at Miller's Point, Washington Post reported. Divers soon started seeing sevengill carcasses with cuts on their underbelly.
Alison Kock, a marine scientist with South African National Parks, told the publication, &ldquo;We really didn&rsquo;t know what had caused this,&rdquo; adding that the first thought was that humans were responsible.
By 2016, more carcasses started popping up. Researchers found that all organs were intact in their bodies except the liver. Upon further analysis, they noted that the scratchlike injuries on their fins were similar to teeth marks orcas made on their prey. This led them to conclude that the killer whales were murdering the great white sharks.

Two killer whales are attacking great white sharks in South Africa and pulling out their livers. The strange behaviour has puzzled experts. World Trending

Two male killer whales are on a killing spree in the waters off the coast of South Africa. These creatures are known to make small work of great white sharks - they hunt them down, pull out their livers and leave them to die. Marine biologists are puzzled to see the orcas display such gruesome behaviour, especially against someone as massive as the white sharks that are considered mighty predators in the ocean. These two killer whales are named Port and Starboard and have reportedly killed dozens of sharks, Washington Post reported. Most of their victims were the great whites who could not escape the marine murderers. Those who have witnessed the whales killing the sharks are amazed by their skill of clearly cutting through the belly to rip out the liver. They then heartlessly leave the sharks to die. More orcas are killing sharks Experts say that Port and Starboard are not the only killer whales hunting the sharks. However, they are the most known ones since they have always been seen hunting as a pair. Also Read: Humpback whale makes world's longest and most unusual migration They are believed to belong to a larger group of whales and break off to go on their own killing spree. The whales killing the sharks has caused widespread ecological repercussions. The sharks, in their bid to escape the danger zones, have relocated. Their absence has disrupted the food chain, leading to a rise in the number of animals that made up their food, including Cape fur seals, the publication reported. In the absence of their predator, the seals and other creatures have been going all out against their prey. When did the killing spree begin? Marine biologists say that False Bay near Cape Town was once dominated by great white sharks. During an hour-long dive, one could easily spot dozens of them at Miller's Point. Also Read: Another 'doomsday fish' makes an appearance, this time in Australia In 2009, the orcas, or the killer whales, entered the region. They fed on common dolphins and humpback whales and lived peacefully with the sharks. But in Nov, 2015, the sharks vanished overnight at Miller's Point, Washington Post reported. Divers soon started seeing sevengill carcasses with cuts on their underbelly. Alison Kock, a marine scientist with South African National Parks, told the publication, “We really didn’t know what had caused this,” adding that the first thought was that humans were responsible. By 2016, more carcasses started popping up. Researchers found that all organs were intact in their bodies except the liver. Upon further analysis, they noted that the scratchlike injuries on their fins were similar to teeth marks orcas made on their prey. This led them to conclude that the killer whales were murdering the great white sharks.

Two male orcas on gruesome killing spree are ripping out shark livers

Don't you just love the feeling of having a good meal? It turns out whales express that feeling by singing...Watch in for more details!

Whales sing after a good meal: Study

Whales don't just sing; they could in fact be speaking like us. Scientists studying humpback whale songs found complex patterns that resemble human language structures. So, are these ocean giants truly communicating in a way that we never thought was possible for them? Watch in for more details!

Whales use repetition & variation like human speech: Study

Spotting whales in the ocean is always a fascinating sight for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on boats waiting to catch a glimpse. A group of killer whale calves made an appearance along Monterey Bay last weekend.&nbsp;

Photos clicked by local tour group Monterey Bay Whale Watch and shared on social media showed the whales frolicking in the water. However, one of them was seen with its prey in its mouth, a black sea bird, and bobbing into the water.

The act of playing with the dead bird by the whale is being termed "cruel". However, experts say there are several reasons why the sea beasts do it.

SF Gate reported about the act with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries spokesperson Nicholas Rahaim telling the publication that the behaviour could be "play, could be practice (if a young animal), could be teaching (if a mom in the presence of calf), etc".

Orcas hunt in a group and can be found in both open seas and coastal waters. Their hunting technique, similar to that of a pack of wolves, is the reason why they are also called killer whales.&nbsp;

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Killer whales are known to engage in such playful acts. There have also been other interesting sightings of these sea creatures lately.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-woolly-mammoth-go-extinct-because-of-a-blocked-nose-study-says-they-did-764159">Did woolly mammoth go extinct because of a blocked nose? Study says they did</a>

<h2>Albino whale spotted</h2>

SF Gate reported that a rare killer whale was spotted as far south as Ensenada and as far north as British Columbia by a tour group last month. Nicknamed "Frosty", it was all white.&nbsp;

According to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, the albino whale's milky colouration could be either because of leucism, a genetic condition in which the creature loses its pigment, or Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a disorder that leads to partial albinism.&nbsp;

Several more similar sightings of the killer whales are on the cards this season. Monterey Bay Whale Watch group shared in a Facebook post that the whale calves "have made our secondary killer whale season so exciting this year and October is only getting started!”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Spotting whales in the ocean is always a fascinating sight for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on boats waiting to catch a glimpse. A group of killer whale calves made an appearance along Monterey Bay last weekend.

Spotting whales in the ocean is always a fascinating sight for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on boats waiting to catch a glimpse. A group of killer whale calves made an appearance along Monterey Bay last weekend. Photos clicked by local tour group Monterey Bay Whale Watch and shared on social media showed the whales frolicking in the water. However, one of them was seen with its prey in its mouth, a black sea bird, and bobbing into the water. The act of playing with the dead bird by the whale is being termed "cruel". However, experts say there are several reasons why the sea beasts do it. SF Gate reported about the act with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries spokesperson Nicholas Rahaim telling the publication that the behaviour could be "play, could be practice (if a young animal), could be teaching (if a mom in the presence of calf), etc". Orcas hunt in a group and can be found in both open seas and coastal waters. Their hunting technique, similar to that of a pack of wolves, is the reason why they are also called killer whales. × Killer whales are known to engage in such playful acts. There have also been other interesting sightings of these sea creatures lately. Also Read: Did woolly mammoth go extinct because of a blocked nose? Study says they did Albino whale spotted SF Gate reported that a rare killer whale was spotted as far south as Ensenada and as far north as British Columbia by a tour group last month. Nicknamed "Frosty", it was all white. According to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, the albino whale's milky colouration could be either because of leucism, a genetic condition in which the creature loses its pigment, or Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a disorder that leads to partial albinism. Several more similar sightings of the killer whales are on the cards this season. Monterey Bay Whale Watch group shared in a Facebook post that the whale calves "have made our secondary killer whale season so exciting this year and October is only getting started!”

Killer sea beasts seen indulging in 'cruel' act near California coast

Mysterious noises have been coming from the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean trench, since 2014. Scientists now finally know the reason behind them. Described as "biotwang" noises, they sound like something emanating from sci-fi starships. However, they are simply whale calls being made by Bryde's whales, as per a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

Researchers say the whales use the calls to locate one another like a giant game of Marco Polo.&nbsp;

"It's possible that they use the biotwang as a contact call, a sort of 'Marco Polo' of the ocean," study lead author Ann Allen, an oceanographer at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, told Popular Science.

In 2014, when scientists were carrying out an acoustic survey of the Mariana Trench using underwater gliders, they noticed some strange noises coming from the region. Notably, the deepest trench in the world spans more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) south of Japan and has a maximum depth of 35,876 feet (10,935 metres).

The whales were making two types of biotwang noises which initially stumped scientists who tried to figure out their source. First was a low, grumbly sound that reverberated through the deep.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-are-expert-tool-makers-blow-and-alter-bubble-nets-to-752189">Humpback whales are expert tool makers; blow and alter bubble nets to...</a>

The second one was a high-pitched, metallic ringing, something researchers say was similar to the noise made by spaceships in Star Trek and Star Wars.

In 2016, large baleen whales, such as blue whales or humpback whales were thought to be the source of the biotwang. However, the sounds did not match any known whale calls.

<h2>Bryde's whales confirmed as source of sounds</h2>

But the latest study published on September&nbsp;18 confirms that the sounds were being made by Bryde's whales. This was deduced after new artificial intelligence (AI) tools went through over 200,000 hours of audio recordings containing various ocean sounds.

Another interesting thing the study found was that the biotwang was heard only in the northwest Pacific. Bryde's whales are not confined to this region, which suggests that only a specific population of the whales is making the noise.

Bryde's whales were circled in as the suspect when 10 of them were spotted swimming near the Mariana Islands. They recorded nine of them making the distinctive noise.

"Once, it's a coincidence. Twice is happenstance. Nine times, it's definitely a Bryde's whale," Allen told Scientific American.

To be fully sure, the team matched the occurrence of the noises to the migration patterns of the whales. AI was used to check through audio recordings captured by monitoring stations across the Mariana Archipelago and nearby areas over the past many years.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mysterious noises have been coming from the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean trench, since 2014. Scientists now finally know the reason behind them. Described as "biotwang" noises, they sound like something emanating from sci-fi starships.

Mysterious noises have been coming from the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean trench, since 2014. Scientists now finally know the reason behind them. Described as "biotwang" noises, they sound like something emanating from sci-fi starships. However, they are simply whale calls being made by Bryde's whales, as per a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. Researchers say the whales use the calls to locate one another like a giant game of Marco Polo. "It's possible that they use the biotwang as a contact call, a sort of 'Marco Polo' of the ocean," study lead author Ann Allen, an oceanographer at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, told Popular Science. In 2014, when scientists were carrying out an acoustic survey of the Mariana Trench using underwater gliders, they noticed some strange noises coming from the region. Notably, the deepest trench in the world spans more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) south of Japan and has a maximum depth of 35,876 feet (10,935 metres). The whales were making two types of biotwang noises which initially stumped scientists who tried to figure out their source. First was a low, grumbly sound that reverberated through the deep. Also Read: Humpback whales are expert tool makers; blow and alter bubble nets to... The second one was a high-pitched, metallic ringing, something researchers say was similar to the noise made by spaceships in Star Trek and Star Wars. In 2016, large baleen whales, such as blue whales or humpback whales were thought to be the source of the biotwang. However, the sounds did not match any known whale calls. Bryde's whales confirmed as source of sounds But the latest study published on September 18 confirms that the sounds were being made by Bryde's whales. This was deduced after new artificial intelligence (AI) tools went through over 200,000 hours of audio recordings containing various ocean sounds. Another interesting thing the study found was that the biotwang was heard only in the northwest Pacific. Bryde's whales are not confined to this region, which suggests that only a specific population of the whales is making the noise. Bryde's whales were circled in as the suspect when 10 of them were spotted swimming near the Mariana Islands. They recorded nine of them making the distinctive noise. "Once, it's a coincidence. Twice is happenstance. Nine times, it's definitely a Bryde's whale," Allen told Scientific American. To be fully sure, the team matched the occurrence of the noises to the migration patterns of the whales. AI was used to check through audio recordings captured by monitoring stations across the Mariana Archipelago and nearby areas over the past many years.

Creepy sounds are echoing through Mariana Trench, and we now know the cause

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades. They are the Arnoux’s beaked whales that are extremely hard to find.&nbsp;

While conducting a survey in the waters of Antarctica, the researchers caught them taking a slow swim, the Miami Herald reported. No detailed studies have ever been done on Arnoux’s beaked whales since they are barely seen. According to a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, these whales inhabit the waters off Antarctica throughout the year.

The species of whale is known for its brilliant diving abilities and can measure up to around 30 feet long. They have dark bodies and resemble dolphins in appearance. The researchers spotted the whales while surveying the Weddell Sea in 2022. They were looking for the top predators in the area when they noticed the whales swirling in the waters.&nbsp;

They photographed three groups of animals swimming near sea ice from the helicopter. “In all three groups, the animals were quietly logging or slowly swimming in parallel position at or just below the surface, sometimes diving under ice,” researchers affiliated with Dutch, German and Australian research institutions said.&nbsp;

<h2>Why are Arnoux’s beaked whales rare</h2>

Notably, in the 11 expeditions conducted in the area between 1988 and 2018, scientists had never spotted the whales.

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However, several non-official and unpublished observations of the whales have been made in the area over the years. But no one knew for sure if they existed and if the sightings were true.&nbsp;

They likely missed detection on account of their lengthy dives as the whales are known to go in sometimes for over an hour.&nbsp;

“The chances of being detected from moving platforms like ships and especially airplanes or helicopters are affected by the exceptional dive capacities of Arnoux’s beaked whales,” researchers said.&nbsp;

However, the recent discovery shows that the Arnoux’s beaked whales reside in the waters of Antarctica and might be present in larger numbers than previously thought. The study hints at their existence in shallow, icy areas. 
&nbsp;

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades.

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades. They are the Arnoux’s beaked whales that are extremely hard to find. While conducting a survey in the waters of Antarctica, the researchers caught them taking a slow swim, the Miami Herald reported. No detailed studies have ever been done on Arnoux’s beaked whales since they are barely seen. According to a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, these whales inhabit the waters off Antarctica throughout the year. The species of whale is known for its brilliant diving abilities and can measure up to around 30 feet long. They have dark bodies and resemble dolphins in appearance. The researchers spotted the whales while surveying the Weddell Sea in 2022. They were looking for the top predators in the area when they noticed the whales swirling in the waters. They photographed three groups of animals swimming near sea ice from the helicopter. “In all three groups, the animals were quietly logging or slowly swimming in parallel position at or just below the surface, sometimes diving under ice,” researchers affiliated with Dutch, German and Australian research institutions said. Why are Arnoux’s beaked whales rare Notably, in the 11 expeditions conducted in the area between 1988 and 2018, scientists had never spotted the whales. Also Read: Nearly 1,700 ancient viruses spanning 41,000 years found in Himalayas However, several non-official and unpublished observations of the whales have been made in the area over the years. But no one knew for sure if they existed and if the sightings were true. They likely missed detection on account of their lengthy dives as the whales are known to go in sometimes for over an hour. “The chances of being detected from moving platforms like ships and especially airplanes or helicopters are affected by the exceptional dive capacities of Arnoux’s beaked whales,” researchers said. However, the recent discovery shows that the Arnoux’s beaked whales reside in the waters of Antarctica and might be present in larger numbers than previously thought. The study hints at their existence in shallow, icy areas.

Rare sea animals known for hour-long dives spotted in Antarctica waters

Humpback whales have fascinated human beings for a long time. New research has found that these massive creatures not only use tools but also make their own them. They even manipulate and alter them to catch more prey. Whales are known as intelligent marine animals who supposedly also have social structures.

Humpback whales create “bubble nets” to hunt, and as per the new study, they also modify them to attract more fish. “Many animals use tools to help them find food but very few actually create or modify the tools themselves,” Lars Bejder, an author of the study, said in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

The revelations were made after Bejder and his team conducted extensive studies on the humpback whales in the southeast (SE) region of Alaska. This region is a vital feeding hub for the marine animals. The scientists kept a close tab on solitary humpback whales that blow complex bubbles to catch krill.

They noticed that the whales use extraordinary techniques to alter these “bubble nets” to trap more prey. Humpback whales cleverly control the size, depth, and distance between these bubbles, for an efficient hunting process. Using this strategy, the whales can capture seven times more prey in a single dive without using extra energy.&nbsp;

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“This impressive behaviour places humpback whales among the rare group of animals that both make and use their own tools for hunting,” Dr Bejder said.

<h2>Why do Humpback whales need more food?</h2>

The bubble net strategy is exclusive to humpbacks who need to capture more prey to survive the winters. The amount of prey caught in summer decides their energy quota for the entire year as they then fall back into these Alaskan waters during colder months.

&nbsp;“We deployed non-invasive suction-cup tags on whales and flew drones over solitary bubble-netting humpback whales in southeast Alaska, collecting data on their underwater movements,” William Gough, another author of the study, said.&nbsp;

The study also sheds light on how enough calorie consumption lets migrating humpback whales traverse the Pacific Ocean. However, since the waters have been warming up due to climate change, their prey is falling in number, leading to the stranding events that are often reported.&nbsp;

Humpback whales have fascinated human beings for a long time. New research has found that these massive creatures not only use tools but also make their own them.

Humpback whales have fascinated human beings for a long time. New research has found that these massive creatures not only use tools but also make their own them. They even manipulate and alter them to catch more prey. Whales are known as intelligent marine animals who supposedly also have social structures. Humpback whales create “bubble nets” to hunt, and as per the new study, they also modify them to attract more fish. “Many animals use tools to help them find food but very few actually create or modify the tools themselves,” Lars Bejder, an author of the study, said in the journal Royal Society Open Science. The revelations were made after Bejder and his team conducted extensive studies on the humpback whales in the southeast (SE) region of Alaska. This region is a vital feeding hub for the marine animals. The scientists kept a close tab on solitary humpback whales that blow complex bubbles to catch krill. They noticed that the whales use extraordinary techniques to alter these “bubble nets” to trap more prey. Humpback whales cleverly control the size, depth, and distance between these bubbles, for an efficient hunting process. Using this strategy, the whales can capture seven times more prey in a single dive without using extra energy. Also Read: Strange fish, like a 'mad scientist' invention, washes up on Oregon beach “This impressive behaviour places humpback whales among the rare group of animals that both make and use their own tools for hunting,” Dr Bejder said. Why do Humpback whales need more food? The bubble net strategy is exclusive to humpbacks who need to capture more prey to survive the winters. The amount of prey caught in summer decides their energy quota for the entire year as they then fall back into these Alaskan waters during colder months. “We deployed non-invasive suction-cup tags on whales and flew drones over solitary bubble-netting humpback whales in southeast Alaska, collecting data on their underwater movements,” William Gough, another author of the study, said. The study also sheds light on how enough calorie consumption lets migrating humpback whales traverse the Pacific Ocean. However, since the waters have been warming up due to climate change, their prey is falling in number, leading to the stranding events that are often reported.

Humpback whales are expert tool makers; blow and alter bubble nets to...

Headlines of the hour: - SC grants interim bail to Kejriwal - Nepal: 66 people missing after landslide - Gallant: Probe Netanyahu for October 7 - Biden vows to finish the job - Biden's slip-up saga continues - 65 stranded Whales die in UK - Boeing warns of further delays

65 stranded Whales die in UK | Nepal: 66 people missing after landslide

A pod of 77 pilot whales has perished after washing ashore on a beach in Orkney, potentially marking the largest mass stranding in decades.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) found that 12 of the animals at Tresness Beach on the island of Sanday were still alive when they came out of the water.

Later, the decision was taken to euthanise them after refloating efforts failed.

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The stranded pod consisted of whales of all ages and genders, including males reaching up to seven meters (22ft) in length, alongside females, calves, and juveniles.

Experts said it was too early to identify the cause of the stranding, but it seems like one of the whales got into trouble and the rest of the pod tried to help.

The public is being asked to stay away from the area while the post-mortem is being carried out.

This stranding event could be the largest recorded in Scotland since the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme's (SMASS) inception in 1995, although similar incidents have occurred in recent years.

Last year an entire pod of 55 pilot whales died following a stranding on Lewis.

Just 15 of the whales were alive when they were washed ashore. One was successfully re-floated while the others had to be euthanised.

As per the Natural History Museum, the largest UK stranding took place in 1927 when 126 out of more than 130 false killer whales died in the Dornoch Firth in the Highlands.

BDMLR medics from Orkney and Inverness arrived to help in the rescue operation, but Neave-Webb's assessment indicated the whales may have been stranded for an extended period, reducing their chances of survival."

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She described the scene as quite horrible and very emotional.

Although the rescuers tried to keep the whales alive by pouring seawater over them, the decision was later taken to euthanise them.

Andrew Brownlow of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme said mass strandings of this scale are becoming more common in Scotland.

"Earlier it used to be strange to have a mass stranding event, certainly of this size, but now this is very common,” Brownlow was quoted saying by BBC.

"The increase in strandings is a worrying trend. It's unclear if this is due to a rise in animal populations or new environmental threats,” Brownlow said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A pod of 77 pilot whales has perished after washing ashore on a beach in Orkney, potentially marking the largest mass stranding in decades. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) found that 12 of the animals at Tresness Beach on the island of Sanday were still alive when they came out of the water.

A pod of 77 pilot whales has perished after washing ashore on a beach in Orkney, potentially marking the largest mass stranding in decades. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) found that 12 of the animals at Tresness Beach on the island of Sanday were still alive when they came out of the water. Later, the decision was taken to euthanise them after refloating efforts failed. Also read: Switzerland bans 'suicide capsule' for assisted dying. Here's how it can kill people 'in seconds' The stranded pod consisted of whales of all ages and genders, including males reaching up to seven meters (22ft) in length, alongside females, calves, and juveniles. Experts said it was too early to identify the cause of the stranding, but it seems like one of the whales got into trouble and the rest of the pod tried to help. The public is being asked to stay away from the area while the post-mortem is being carried out. This stranding event could be the largest recorded in Scotland since the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme's (SMASS) inception in 1995, although similar incidents have occurred in recent years. Last year an entire pod of 55 pilot whales died following a stranding on Lewis. Just 15 of the whales were alive when they were washed ashore. One was successfully re-floated while the others had to be euthanised. As per the Natural History Museum, the largest UK stranding took place in 1927 when 126 out of more than 130 false killer whales died in the Dornoch Firth in the Highlands. BDMLR medics from Orkney and Inverness arrived to help in the rescue operation, but Neave-Webb's assessment indicated the whales may have been stranded for an extended period, reducing their chances of survival." Also read: Cyprus' oldest temple excavated. It houses a mysterious monolith, skeleton of a woman She described the scene as quite horrible and very emotional. Although the rescuers tried to keep the whales alive by pouring seawater over them, the decision was later taken to euthanise them. Andrew Brownlow of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme said mass strandings of this scale are becoming more common in Scotland. "Earlier it used to be strange to have a mass stranding event, certainly of this size, but now this is very common,” Brownlow was quoted saying by BBC. "The increase in strandings is a worrying trend. It's unclear if this is due to a rise in animal populations or new environmental threats,” Brownlow said. (With inputs from agencies)

Devastating mass stranding in Scotland: 77 whales dead

Two beluga whales have been rescued from the besieged city of Kharkiv in Ukraine and taken to an aquarium in Valencia, Spain. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second biggest city, which sits near its border with Russia, has seen a spate of Russian attacks in recent weeks. Watch in for more details!

Beluga Whales evacuated from war-zone Kharkiv to Spain's Valencia

A study released on Wednesday (Feb 28) suggests that the North Pacific humpback whale population has experienced a drastic 20 per cent decline in less than a decade, with marine heatwaves identified as the potential primary cause, signaling a concerning future for these majestic sea creatures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-are-struggling-to-communicate-due-to-human-noise-pollution-says-study-692782" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-are-struggling-to-communicate-due-to-human-noise-pollution-says-study-692782&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs_4iJ7c2EAxXckK8BHbG5DYEQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZZzzCumDwaX1BETcnsDbY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-are-struggling-to-communicate-due-to-human-noise-pollution-says-study-692782" target="_blank">Whales&nbsp;are struggling to communicate due to human noise pollution</a>

Following successful conservation efforts and the cessation of commercial whaling in 1976, the humpback whale population in the region steadily increased until 2012.

However, over the past 10 years, researchers reported a sharp decline in whale numbers, as published in the Royal Society Open Science journal.

A team of 75 scientists utilised the largest photo-identification dataset ever compiled for a large marine mammal, spanning from 2002 to 2021, to track North Pacific humpback populations.

Using images of the unique tail patterns of the whales, the team recorded over 200,000 sightings of more than 33,000 individuals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-footage-shows-struggling-killer-whales-trapped-in-ice-off-japans-hokkaido-687554" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-footage-shows-struggling-killer-whales-trapped-in-ice-off-japans-hokkaido-687554&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimiOup7c2EAxWA1zgGHfyjBnA4ChAWegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Luk4EJ3qToVDpElW_ILjm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-footage-shows-struggling-killer-whales-trapped-in-ice-off-japans-hokkaido-687554" target="_blank">Drone footage shows struggling killer&nbsp;whales&nbsp;trapped in ice&nbsp;</a>

Contrary to expectations that the humpback population would stabilise at its natural carrying capacity, there was instead a significant and steep decline observed from 2012 to 2021.&nbsp;

The number of humpbacks fell by 20 per cent, dropping from approximately 33,000 individuals to just over 26,600.

For a subgroup of whales wintering in Hawaii, the decline was even more pronounced at 34 per cent.

A critical factor identified was the occurrence of the strongest and longest marine heatwave on record from 2014 to 2016, affecting the Pacific northeast with temperature anomalies surpassing three to six degrees Celsius.

This heatwave altered the marine ecosystem and the availability of humpback prey, leading to a more severe decline than anticipated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-swim-more-than-3000-miles-to-find-a-lover-says-study-454027" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-swim-more-than-3000-miles-to-find-a-lover-says-study-454027&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimiOup7c2EAxWA1zgGHfyjBnA4ChAWegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0yVILnQ6mHOxXJNNKz3ab2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-swim-more-than-3000-miles-to-find-a-lover-says-study-454027" target="_blank">Humpback&nbsp;whales&nbsp;swim more than 3000 miles to find a lover</a>

Study author Ted Cheeseman, a whale biologist and PhD student at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, expressed surprise at the scale of the decline, estimating that around 7,000 whales likely starved to death during this period.

The scientists hypothesise that the extreme marine heatwave may have reduced the carrying capacity threshold for humpbacks, causing a collapse in their population dynamics.

The inability of humpbacks to adapt their flexible diet is seen as an indicator of broader ocean health issues, affecting not only the whales but also other marine species.

The study emphasises that a warmer ocean produces less food, impacting not only humpback whales but also contributing to declines in the populations of tufted puffins, sea lions, seals, and affecting some commercial fisheries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs_4iJ7c2EAxXckK8BHbG5DYEQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mrDj_Ep_o0T2zsMYM4G-T" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" target="_blank">Why do&nbsp;whales&nbsp;commit suicide? Answer may be sonar</a>

While recognising the success story of the rebound in humpback whale populations due to international restrictions on commercial whaling, the study underscores the new reality of changing oceans that necessitates continued conservation efforts and climate action to ensure the well-being of these remarkable creatures.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study released on Wednesday (Feb 28) suggests that the North Pacific humpback whale population has experienced a drastic 20 per cent decline in less than a decade, with marine heatwaves identified as the potential primary cause, signaling a concerning future for these majestic sea creatures.

A study released on Wednesday (Feb 28) suggests that the North Pacific humpback whale population has experienced a drastic 20 per cent decline in less than a decade, with marine heatwaves identified as the potential primary cause, signaling a concerning future for these majestic sea creatures. Also read: Whales are struggling to communicate due to human noise pollution Following successful conservation efforts and the cessation of commercial whaling in 1976, the humpback whale population in the region steadily increased until 2012. However, over the past 10 years, researchers reported a sharp decline in whale numbers, as published in the Royal Society Open Science journal. A team of 75 scientists utilised the largest photo-identification dataset ever compiled for a large marine mammal, spanning from 2002 to 2021, to track North Pacific humpback populations. Using images of the unique tail patterns of the whales, the team recorded over 200,000 sightings of more than 33,000 individuals. Also read: Drone footage shows struggling killer whales trapped in ice Contrary to expectations that the humpback population would stabilise at its natural carrying capacity, there was instead a significant and steep decline observed from 2012 to 2021. The number of humpbacks fell by 20 per cent, dropping from approximately 33,000 individuals to just over 26,600. For a subgroup of whales wintering in Hawaii, the decline was even more pronounced at 34 per cent. A critical factor identified was the occurrence of the strongest and longest marine heatwave on record from 2014 to 2016, affecting the Pacific northeast with temperature anomalies surpassing three to six degrees Celsius. This heatwave altered the marine ecosystem and the availability of humpback prey, leading to a more severe decline than anticipated. Also read: Humpback whales swim more than 3000 miles to find a lover Study author Ted Cheeseman, a whale biologist and PhD student at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, expressed surprise at the scale of the decline, estimating that around 7,000 whales likely starved to death during this period. The scientists hypothesise that the extreme marine heatwave may have reduced the carrying capacity threshold for humpbacks, causing a collapse in their population dynamics. The inability of humpbacks to adapt their flexible diet is seen as an indicator of broader ocean health issues, affecting not only the whales but also other marine species. The study emphasises that a warmer ocean produces less food, impacting not only humpback whales but also contributing to declines in the populations of tufted puffins, sea lions, seals, and affecting some commercial fisheries. Also read: Why do whales commit suicide? Answer may be sonar While recognising the success story of the rebound in humpback whale populations due to international restrictions on commercial whaling, the study underscores the new reality of changing oceans that necessitates continued conservation efforts and climate action to ensure the well-being of these remarkable creatures. (With inputs from agencies)

Pacific whale population decline possibly linked to heatwaves, suggests study

Humpback whales have found a unique way to establish communication among their fellow species, however noisy humans are causing massive disruptions here too.

A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that human-made noises can easily drown these unique vocalisations which only fit within a certain frequency.

"We've never seen this in any other animal," lead author Coen Elemans, professor of bioacoustics at the University of Southern Denmark, told AFP.

"This is a completely novel adaptation, and we think this allowed these large whales to make sound in the water while basically holding their breath."

"[D]espite their amazing physiology they literally cannot escape the noise humans make in the oceans," said Elemans.

Scientists say that complex whale melodies play a significant role in the social and reproductive communication of these massive marine mammals.

The scientists, examined the larynxes of three stranded baleen whales -- the sei, minke, and humpback species and with the help of modelling techniques and scanning, reconstructed how the whale vocalisations occur.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-mystery-2000-year-old-bronze-hand-reveals-enigmatic-script-692644">Ancient mystery! 2,000-year-old bronze hand reveals enigmatic script</a>

They found out that the sound was produced by "aerodynamic vibrations" which help whales to produce the sound without inhaling water.

They discovered that baleen whale sound&nbsp;can travel long distances through water, but at a maximum depth of 100 metres (330 feet) and at a frequency of up to 300 Hz, which is within the range of noise produced by shipping vessels.

"It's really sad that baleen whale vocalisations exactly overlap with the sounds we make, predominantly with shipping noise, and there is no way for the whales to sing louder, at a higher frequency, or deeper in the water," Elemans said.&nbsp;

"These animals really can't escape this, and we really need to mitigate the noise we make."&nbsp;

The scientists said that the noise pollution can push the whales to alter their behaviour.

They will either try to remain silent until there's no more noise or will move to a different location. This will require them to exert extra energy which can further weaken their body condition and affect their long-term survival.

(With inputs from agencies)

Humpback whales have found a unique way to establish communication among their fellow species, however noisy humans are causing massive disruptions here too. A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that human-made noises can easily drown these unique vocalisations which only fit within a certain frequency.

Humpback whales have found a unique way to establish communication among their fellow species, however noisy humans are causing massive disruptions here too. A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that human-made noises can easily drown these unique vocalisations which only fit within a certain frequency. "We've never seen this in any other animal," lead author Coen Elemans, professor of bioacoustics at the University of Southern Denmark, told AFP. "This is a completely novel adaptation, and we think this allowed these large whales to make sound in the water while basically holding their breath." "[D]espite their amazing physiology they literally cannot escape the noise humans make in the oceans," said Elemans. Scientists say that complex whale melodies play a significant role in the social and reproductive communication of these massive marine mammals. The scientists, examined the larynxes of three stranded baleen whales -- the sei, minke, and humpback species and with the help of modelling techniques and scanning, reconstructed how the whale vocalisations occur. Also read: Ancient mystery! 2,000-year-old bronze hand reveals enigmatic script They found out that the sound was produced by "aerodynamic vibrations" which help whales to produce the sound without inhaling water. They discovered that baleen whale sound can travel long distances through water, but at a maximum depth of 100 metres (330 feet) and at a frequency of up to 300 Hz, which is within the range of noise produced by shipping vessels. "It's really sad that baleen whale vocalisations exactly overlap with the sounds we make, predominantly with shipping noise, and there is no way for the whales to sing louder, at a higher frequency, or deeper in the water," Elemans said. "These animals really can't escape this, and we really need to mitigate the noise we make." The scientists said that the noise pollution can push the whales to alter their behaviour. They will either try to remain silent until there's no more noise or will move to a different location. This will require them to exert extra energy which can further weaken their body condition and affect their long-term survival. (With inputs from agencies)

Whales are struggling to communicate due to human noise pollution, says study

Baleen whales have evolved a special voice box to help them to sing underwater -- but this could also make them uniquely vulnerable to being drowned out by human noise pollution, according to new research published Wednesday. But the scientists also found a potentially serious challenge for the whales: the struggle to make themselves heard over noise pollution from ships.

Research shows human noise disrupt Whales' communication

Orcas or killer whales are apex predators and marine mammals. Watch the video to know more.

All you need to know about killer whales

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