From donning salmon hats to sinking yachts and showcasing impressive marine tool use, orcas have long fascinated both scientists and the public. Recently, these remarkable creatures have added another surprising behavior to their repertoire: “moonwalking.” Videos have surfaced showing orcas performing a peculiar backward motion underwater, leaving many to wonder about the purpose behind this unusual dance-like behavior.
While it might seem like orcas are taking over the dance world, marine experts suggest a more sinister explanation. According to marine mammal zoologist Anna Hall, this behavior is likely part of a prey-sharing ritual. In a video interview with CBC News, Hall described the act as “a little bit gruesome,” suggesting that orcas might be tearing their prey into pieces to distribute among family members.
The Science Behind the Dance
The orcas exhibiting this behavior belong to a population known as transient or Bigg’s killer whales. Unlike their resident counterparts, these orcas primarily prey on marine mammals such as seals, porpoises, and occasionally other whale species. They travel in small family groups, a trait that has intrigued scientists for decades.
In 2024, after 20 years of speculation, Bigg’s killer whales were officially recognized as a separate species from the resident orca population. Barbara Taylor, a former NOAA Fisheries marine mammal biologist, was part of the panel that assessed the status of Southern Residents. She noted, “They’re the most different killer whales in the world, and they live right next to each other and see each other all the time. They just do not mix.”
A Closer Look at T65A Artemis
North Shore News has identified the moonwalking orca as T65A Artemis, a female born in 1986. Known for her distinctive behavior, Artemis often displays this backward motion after hunting harbour porpoises. “It is remarkable, just how smooth that backward motion is,” Hall told North Shore News. “You anticipate the forward motion being smooth.”
The Orca Conservancy has highlighted on TikTok that this behavior is exclusive to the Bigg’s killer whales found in the Pacific Northwest. In other parts of the ocean, different orca populations employ various methods to hunt and consume their prey.
Implications and Conservation Efforts
This revelation about orca behavior underscores the complexity and adaptability of these marine mammals. As scientists continue to study these behaviors, there is a growing emphasis on the conservation of orca populations, particularly in regions where they face threats from human activities.
Efforts to protect these intelligent creatures are ongoing. Conservationists are advocating for measures to reduce ship traffic and noise pollution, which can disrupt orca communication and hunting practices. Additionally, there is a push to preserve their natural habitats and ensure a stable food supply.
As researchers delve deeper into the lives of orcas, behaviors like “moonwalking” provide valuable insights into their social structures and survival strategies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation policies that will help safeguard these iconic marine predators for future generations.
The next steps in this research will likely involve more detailed observations and studies to determine the frequency and triggers of this behavior. Scientists hope to uncover further nuances in orca communication and social interaction, contributing to a broader understanding of marine ecosystems.
