Family Matters

These highly intelligent mammals live within a complex social structure, their pods comprised of matrilineal family groups. Knowledge is passed down through generations, with behaviors specific to each pod, similar to what we consider culture. Some of these family units remain together their entire lives, always within hearing distance of one another. Each pod also has its own unique dialect.

Females typically first reproduce between 11-13 years of age, and over a course of 40 years, can give birth to 4-6 calves. Males mature between 12-14 years of age. Orcas give birth to a single calf, with other pod females helping care for the young.