The orca or killer whale (Orcinus orca) is easily identified. Its tall, pointed dorsal fin shows each time the whale surfaces. The male's fin is upright, even directed slightly forward. The female's fin is curved, more like a shark's. Orcas have shiny black bodies with white undersides and faint, gray, saddle-shaped markings behind the prominent fin.
These animals, once as dreaded and feared as the lion, have become favorites among some trainers in aquariums because they are so unafraid, intelligent, and trainable. Orcas have no natural predators and so seem to have no fear either. Trainers now swim beside these animals, ride on their backs, and put their heads inside these whales' open mouths. All this with a "friendly" animal that eats other whales and swallows seals, dolphins, and even penguins in one gulp. Orcas do not regard humans as part of their preferred diet, but instead seem to enjoy human company, as well as the sound of orchestras. However, most trainers carefully avoid an orca when its head moves up and down rapidly. This type of movement means "watch out", not "yes"!
