It ’s no enigma that orca are trained assassins ( they ’re acknowledge as “ orca whales ” for a reason ) , but a successiveness from the newly releasedFrozen Planet IIserves as a harrowing reminder of just how skilled they are . In it , a synchronize pod can be visualise targeting a sealing wax who evidently suppose they were good snoozing atop a giant slab of ice . However , it seems few places are safe when group - huntingOrcinus orcaare involved .
The life of a seedpod of orcas is a unending cycle of hunt and feeding . When in search of a meal , they ’ll swim around “ spy - hopping ” , which is when they bob out of the weewee to get a feel at what ’s happening up on land .
The advanced assay technique enable them to blot seals that are suitably positioned to become dinner , but it ’s expensive work calorie - wise to . This intend hound pods of orcas must find a lot of food to keep everyone in the group sufficiently stocked up so that they can go in hunt of more food , and that ’s without taking mating or calf - rearing into consideration .
As a result , once a seal is in a seedcase of orcas ' sights , they are n’t going to give up easily . Something that ’s demonstrated in sensational 4 super acid UHD in Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Natural History Unit ’s recent loss , Frozen Planet II .
As two orcas lay eye on a seal , the scouts call in reenforcement with vocalizations . This brings the gang together for a coordinated attack , bringing to brain scenes of velociraptorspack - huntingforpterosaursinPrehistoric Planet(though some argue we do n’t make out for sure if theyactually trace like this ) .
The sealing wax shut away into the orcas ' sights seems unperturbed , and who could find fault it , sit upon such an enormous sheet of icing ? But alas , it ’s not for long .
The orcas work together to produce a sub - surface wave that efficaciously shatters the seal ’s magnanimous icy safety float . By break the ice into low pieces like this , the orca have a much serious shot of knock the seal into the urine and secure themselves a meal .
They then fence the pathetic pinniped with bubbles to disorientate it so that they can safely take it down . The complexity of the attack is singular not just for wildlife in ecumenical but even among orcas , with only 100 of these animate being known to practice these techniques in the wild .
An unbelievable adaption to surviving in a world where fair game is sparse , and one which sure makes you sense sticking not to have been contain a seal .
Do n’t missFrozen Planet IIavailable now onBBC One and iPlayer .
