Video shows orca ripping open whale shark and eating its liver.
Video shows orca ripping open whale shark and eating its liver.
Mysterious Killer Whale Hunting Technique Revealed: The Liver Slurping Orcas
Divers off the coast of California have captured a rare and gruesome spectacle—a killer whale indulging in a peculiar hunting technique known as “slurping.” The frightening footage shows an orca feasting on the liver of a still-living shark. As the orca savors its meal, the helpless shark sinks to the ocean floor, awaiting its grim fate.
The video, captured in the Sea of Cortez in California by 58-year-old diver James Moskito, showcases the chilling efficiency of orcas in action. The divers who accompanied Moskito were astounded by the sight, their excitement audible in the background. Moskito described the incident, saying, “It’s literally over in a matter of seconds. 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.”
This is not a singular occurrence; similar behavior has been observed near the Farallon Islands in northern California. Two orcas residing in South Africa’s Mossel Bay have even developed such expertise in extracting shark livers that they have managed to scare away great white sharks from their hunting grounds.
The preference for shark livers among orcas is due to the high levels of fat content packed with calories. Michael Weiss, the research director at the Center for Whale Research, explained that orcas are attracted to the most nutritious parts of their prey, and shark livers fit the bill perfectly. Additionally, Weiss suggests that orcas may utilize their sonar capabilities to pinpoint the most delectable portions of their catch.
Once the orcas have had their fill of the liver, they leave the carcass for scavengers dwelling at the bottom of the ocean, completing the circle of life in the depths.
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The capture of this rare footage provides valuable insights into the behavior and predatory patterns of killer whales. These majestic creatures continue to amaze and astound researchers as they uncover the mysteries of the ocean and its inhabitants.
While the spectacle may be gruesome, it serves as a reminder of the fascinating dynamics that exist in our vast oceans. As we continue to explore and study the diverse marine life that surrounds us, each discovery brings us closer to understanding the intricate web of life beneath the waves.
