Do Orcas Hate Sailing Yachts?
They should have never freed Willy. Recently there has been a spate of run-ins between orcas and yachts off the coast of Spain and Portugal. It seems these run-ins began in 2020 and they all seem to be the same sort of “attack”. The orca goes after the rudder of the ship, slamming into it. According to a journal called Marine Mammal Science, once they are able to stop the boat the orcas lose interest. The orca encounters have caused a handful of these yachts to sink. One person who witnessed this about one of the victim ships said it seemed to be a mother teaching two younger orca calves. In an article from Live Science, it is thought that this new behavior could’ve come from a traumatic event for another orca that has now passed down to the rest of the Iberian orca population. That is incredible behavior. One orca may have gotten injured by a boat, so all the other orcas on the Iberian Coast have chosen violence against rudders. The latest run-in saw a pod of orcas attack a Polish yacht for 45 minutes off the coast of Morocco!
Orcas are becoming the Robin Hood of the seas, taking down sailing yachts. If you don’t know much about Killer Whales, learn yourself some, when you get a chance. They’re incredible animals at the top of the food chain, have no natural predators, and are unbelievably smart. You can easily fall into a YouTube hole watching pods of Orcas working together to get some lunch.
As bizarre as these orca vs yacht encounters are, the actual sinking or attack of the boats is rare. It doesn’t seem like the reason has anything to do with the humans on board since nobody has died. If you have dreamed of sailing on a yacht in Iberian waters there is a small chance you could have an amazing, albeit scary experience with one of the world’s smartest predators.
Unforgettable Zoos: Explore These Must-Visit Wildlife Destinations
Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a huge variety of animals from all over the world, like elephants, primates, colorful birds, and even marine life. You can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. They have interactive exhibits and fun programs that teach you about wildlife and how to protect it. You can explore underwater habitats and see stunning marine species, from vibrant coral reefs to graceful sea turtles. Visitors can walk through what the zoo calls the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. And if you don’t feel like walking back from the exhibits, you can take a steam-powered locomotive that circles around the 130-acre park.
Denver Zoo, Denver, CO
The Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species. They offer a schedule of exciting and interactive events, including close encounters with animals and diverse cultural performances. Kids can even join the thrilling ‘Bunk with the Beasts’ overnight stay, featuring up-close visits with animals, along with a pizza dinner, snack, and breakfast. Outside of the zoo, their Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams work to safeguard species from threats like habitat loss and human encroachment.
The Toledo Zoo, Toledo Ohio
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to 720 species and houses more than 10,000 individual animals. It places a strong emphasis on conservation, actively participating in over 80 species survival programs. The zoo hosts the popular Toledo Zoo Lights event during the holiday season and collaborates with research institutions. Visitors to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium can try their hand at the Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course. They also have the opportunity to feed a variety of animals, including giraffes, goats, and alpacas.
Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Zoo Atlanta provides something for everyone, whether you prefer a relaxed walk through the African Savanna or an immersive experience in The Ford African Rain Forest. It’s home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, with many of them endangered. Visitors can see a variety of animals including gorillas, monkeys, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. Also, you’ll get a chance to see giant pandas, naked mole rats, clouded leopards, and other animals in the Asian Forest.
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo stands out as one of the few remaining free-admission zoos in the United States. They have a diverse animal population of over 1,200 animals that you can see through the zoo’s self-guided tours and interactive activities. It includes encounters with seals, polar bears, and penguins. It’s must-see attraction is the Regenstein Center for African Apes, which houses chimpanzees and gorillas.
San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco, CA
Spanning across a 100-acre site, the San Francisco Zoo serves as a sanctuary for over 1,000 wild animals representing more than 250 species. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Koko the gorilla, an iconic figure in primate communication studies. The zoo is home to several major exhibits, including the African Savannah featuring reticulated giraffes, and the Primate Discovery Center housing black howler monkeys, chimpanzees, macaques, mandrills, and more. Visitors can explore the Cat Kingdom, home to Indian rhinoceros, hippopotamus, African lions, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, and even anacondas.
Zoo Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
Zoo Knoxville is famous for a couple of amazing achievements. Back in 1978, they made history by breeding the first two African Elephants ever born in the Western Hemisphere. Zoo Knoxville has bred more endangered red pandas than any other zoo in the world. It also plays a significant role in the conservation of endangered tortoises through its leading breeding efforts.
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Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is currently home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. Like all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. A popular feature of the zoo is its endangered giant pandas which include adults Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and one-year-old Xiao Qi Ji. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the zoo with the Animal Adventure Guide or spend some time chatting with the animal keepers at the Great Ape House. You can also get up close and personal with the American farm animals at the Kids’ Farm.
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