Amazing never before seen footage of Orcas hunting a Humpback whale calf and consuming its tongue. Shot off the Baja California peninsula, Mexico.
While fully grown Humpback whales have little to fear from Orcas, their calves are a favorite prey item for the transient Killers that frequently visit the Baja California peninsula. Orcas are such successful hunters that they can afford to be picky eaters. In the case of whale calves they will often eat only the tongue and leave the rest of the carcass to scavengers.
The hunt went on for over an hour with the mother Humpback and and an escort fighting to fend of the Killers. Eventually, as is often the case, the Orcas prevailed. We then witnessed something truly incredible! The largest male in the pod spent over an hour circling our boat holding the young whale in his mouth, almost as if showing off their prize (we try not to assign human attributes to non-humans but in cases like this it is hard not to)! The Orcas then proceeded to eat the tongue of the young whale right below us, allowing us the opportunity to capture this unique footage.
It was a bittersweet experience. We love all Cetaceans and animals and were heartbroken as well as in awe as we watched these scenes unfold.
For info about our tours visit www.whalewatchcabo.com
Video production: Found at Sea - @foundatseaexplorers
Music: Psalms by Miguel Johnson - • Psalms - Miguel Johnso...