Lloyd, Janice (2015) Orcas in captivity. Centre for Veterinary Education: University of Sydney, One Welfare Portal.

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Abstract

Orcas, aka killer whales, are the largest of the ocean dolphins. These large, predatory marine mammals were first captured from the wild and displayed in public exhibitions in the early1960s; they quickly became popular attractions due to their capacity for training, and striking size and appearance. Presently there are around 45 orcas in captivity worldwide, most of which are now captive-born. Orcas are extremely intelligent, social animals with a highly evolved brain. Neurological imaging studies (MRI) show that orcas possess an extensive para-limbic system suggestive of an elaborate emotional life. In the wild orcas live in close family groups (or pods) and different groups are believed to have developed their own ‘language’ and ‘culture’. While much of the orcas lifestyle is a mystery they have been known to swim up to 160 kms in one day at speeds of up to 50 kms an hour, and typically dive 30-60 kms below the surface. Orcas create 'sound pictures’ of their habitat using echolocation, and their diet consists of live: fish, seal, sea lion, seabirds, squid and other marine animals including whales.

Item ID:	51070
Item Type:	Other
Additional Information:	This is an online learning scenario which is freely available through the publisher's website.
Funders:	Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT)
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2017 01:09
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0702 Animal Production > 070207 Humane Animal Treatment @ 40% 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130299 Curriculum and Pedagogy not elsewhere classified @ 20% 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0707 Veterinary Sciences > 070799 Veterinary Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 40%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8301 Fisheries - Aquaculture > 830199 Fisheries - Aquaculture not elsewhere classified @ 40% 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9303 Curriculum > 930302 Syllabus and Curriculum Development @ 25% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970107 Expanding Knowledge in the Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences @ 35%
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