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Orca (Killer Whale)

The ocean's top predator — actually the world's biggest dolphin.

🌿 Wild animal — not a pet! Orcas belong in the wild. This page is just for learning about an amazing animal.

Orcas are nicknamed killer whales, but they're actually the largest member of the dolphin family. They live in family pods led by wise grandmothers, share food, and teach their kids clever hunting tricks found nowhere else.

📋 Orca at a glance

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Habitat

Every ocean, from the Arctic to the tropics

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Size

Up to 22,000 lb (10,000 kg)

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Speed

Bursts over 30 mph

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Diet

Carnivore — fish, seals, squid

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Lifespan

50–80 years (females longest)

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Status

Data Deficient

⚡ Superpower

Orca families have their own "dialects" — special call patterns passed down like a family language.

🤩 Amazing Orca facts

Orcas are the biggest dolphins in the world, not true whales.

❓ Common questions about orcas

How big is an orca?

Up to 22,000 lb (10,000 kg). Orcas are the biggest dolphins in the world, not true whales.

Where do orcas live?

Orca (Killer Whale)s live in the wild: every ocean, from the arctic to the tropics. They are wild animals and are never kept as pets.

How long do orcas live?

Orca (Killer Whale)s typically live 50–80 years (females longest).

Can you keep an orca as a pet?

No! Orca (Killer Whale)s are wild animals — they belong in the wild (every ocean, from the arctic to the tropics), and keeping one would be unsafe and usually illegal. If you love animals, check out our care guides for real pets your family can have.