KILLER WHALES (Orcinus orca) - Scientific Classification...Discover animal, environmental, and zoological career facts as you explore in-depth topic coverage via SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove's on-line information books. read more
Type D. Subantarctic orcas (the 5th ecotype in the Southern Hemisphere) were discovered in the 1950's in a mass stranding event in New Zealand. This was a retroactive discovery, however - at the time, they were thought to be a mutated type of the worldwide orca species. read more
The cetaceans are among the group of animals producing the most new species to Western zoology. A literal explosion of findings are providing routine news about new whales, killer whales, dolphins, and beaked whales. read more
The type C killer whale has two-toned gray colouring, including a dark "dorsal cape", in body areas where most killer whales have solid black colouring. Research is ongoing into whether one or more killer whale types is a distinct species in need of protection. read more