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Battle of the Apex Predators

Sperm whales and calf fending off apex predators

A Battleground Between Two Apex Giants: The Killer Whale (Orca) and the Sperm Whale.

Apex predators rule the Bremer Canyon, today was no exception as the world of two species collide.

In the vast expanse of the ocean, our team embarked on a routine expedition, not anticipating the arrival of the iconic sperm whale.

As we reached the hotspot, what ensued was far from ordinary.

We navigated the waters, encountering pods of orcas, including Split Tip’s pod, engaging in foraging behaviour.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as the orcas embarked on a high-speed pursuit, drawing us into the spectacle of nature’s drama.

Apex Pursuit

With astonishing agility, the orcas surged towards a disturbance, propelling us into an adrenaline-fuelled pursuit.

In disbelief, the target of their hunt was not the expected beaked whale but the majestic sperm whale.

The Apex Struggle

Approaching the scene, chaos unfolded. Sperm whales, including a juvenile, huddled together in distress as orcas circled, displaying their formidable hunting prowess.

The sperm whales created a circular rosette shape, fanning out to create an area for defense.

A large dark bubble which looked to be blood rose from the waters depths and exploded in an orange ball on the surface. 

Dissipating into the ocean swells. This encounter challenged long-held beliefs about sperm whale invulnerability.

The Twist

Amidst the chaos, a startling revelation emerged. What initially appeared to be a successful predation turned out to be a defensive manoeuvre by the sperm whales.

The ‘bubble of blood’ was, in fact, a defensive expulsion of faeces – a testament to the ingenuity of nature’s defense mechanisms.

Untamed Wilderness

Upon leaving the incredible Bremer Canyon area, heading back to the harbour, we pondered the poignancy of the untamed wilderness that lies beneath the ocean’s surface.

Witnessing such a rare and awe-inspiring events underscores the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these majestic creatures and their habitats.

19.03.2024

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Apex predators of Bremer Canyon
By Naturaliste Charter Apex predators of Bremer Canyon
The orca picking up speed and surging in front of us
By Naturaliste Charter The orca picking up speed and surging in front of us
We encounter Sperm Whales and a calf
By Naturaliste Charter We encounter Sperm Whales and a calf
Poking the tips of their heads out of the water and letting out heaving blows as they tried to regain their breath
By Naturaliste Charter Poking the tips of their heads out of the water and letting out heaving blows as they tried to regain their breath
Then, a large dark bubble rose to the surface amongst the huddle, believed at the time to have been blood
By Naturaliste Charter Then, a large dark bubble rose to the surface amongst the huddle, believed at the time to have been blood
Sperm whales are known to defecate when threatened, referred to as emergency or defensive defection
By Naturaliste Charter Sperm whales are known to defecate when threatened, referred to as emergency or defensive defection

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