Photo of the Day: Sea World Orlando

False Killer Whales, despite their misleading name, are oceanic dolphins (Delphinidae), making them close relatives of the bottlenose dolphin and the orca. These sleek, dark-colored marine mammals are found globally in warm-temperate and tropical seas, typically favoring deep oceanic waters. 

As apex predators and obligate carnivores, they have a varied diet, consuming large fish and squid. They are also known to prey on other dolphins and small whales, demonstrating their predatory skill. Physically, they have a robust, conical body, a distinctively rounded head, and a relatively small, curved dorsal fin situated centrally on their back. 

False Killer Whales are highly social and form complex, stable social structures. While pods of over 50 are common, massive "superpods" of hundreds or even over a thousand animals have been documented in the open ocean. This intense sociability often results in interspecies interactions; they are frequently observed with other dolphin species, especially bottlenose dolphins, as well as with pilot whales and common dolphins. Their strong social bonds are evident in their tendency to mass strand together, an event that remains largely unexplained by scientists. 

Housing these animals in zoological facilities offers significant opportunities for research and public education. For example, SeaWorld Orlando previously housed a few, including Jozu, who participated in the Blue Horizons show. Their inclusion in marine park programs helped educate millions of visitors about the intelligence, agility, and unique social behaviors of these deep-water dolphins. However, due to their large size, preference for deep water, and high energy levels, they present a considerable challenge to maintain in a controlled environment. 

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Taken: July 22, 2007 at Sea World Orlando (Orlando, FL)