Orcas Are More Emotionally Complex Than Humans, and Other Facts About These Awesome Mammals

In 2013, the documentary Blackfish enlightened and infuriated people when it revealed the truth about marine parks and the miserable lives of orcas held in captivity. Through the story of Tilikum, the bull orca infamous for killing Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau, the world learned of the plight of these majestic animals. In contrast to their scary moniker, the film revealed “killer whales” to be intelligent, curious, sensitive animals, totally unsuited to life in captivity.

We know orcas don’t belong in captivity, but here are 10 amazing things you might not know about these extraordinary animals.

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A Sad Reality

Despite overwhelming evidence that orcas are one of the most intelligent and complex animals in the world, many are being held prisoner and forced to perform ridiculous tricks at marine parks throughout the world. Learn more about some of the orcas being held in captivity and what you can do to help by checking out this article.

Image source: Mlewan/Wikimedia Commons