Distribution
DistributionKiller
whales are widely distributed throughout the oceans of the world, but are
commonest
in
the eastern Pacific and the Atlantic. Quite unlike other cetaceans, they
are not confined by any distributional boundaries and individuals travel
freely through the oceans and hemispheres, although generally keeping to
cooler
waters. As a result of this lack of geographical separation, different
subspecies related to areas have not developed. Killer whales are also
in danger because of the hunting that still exists.
Exhibition
This
is a species about which conservationists quite rightly have concern.
It
is hunted in small numbers by the Japanese! Since the first killer whale
was captured alive for exhibition in the early 1960's, they have become
popular exhibits in Dolphinaria. They consume something over 45 kg fish
each day. They appear to take to captivity reasonably well and can be persuaded
to perform remarkable feats, seeming to have a real
bond
with their trainers. in addition to their place in the marine circus, these
animals have been subjected to scientific
study.