Encounter 33 - November 28, 2021

11/28 was an incredible day! The CA51s attacked a large male California sea lion, which ended up next to our boat (while our boat was in neutral and drifted). CA51 Star was very involved in the hunt, and her daughter CA51E Comet was second most involved. After the hunting was complete, the whole family celebrated with lots of breaching, tail slaps, and rolling around. CA51B Orion even did a few breaches! It is spectacular seeing a full-grown male orca breach. We watched them feeding, celebrating, and swimming off into the sunset. A truly amazing day!
(California Sea Lion being rammed into by Killer Whales @ 1:16)
Video by Jason Berring Jr. We were so lucky to spend sunset with this family of killer whales after they had feasted. Photos by Research Biologist Colleen Talty