For years, scientists have been making underwater recordings of orcas, also called killer whales. Orcas spend much of their time in an icy, dark area of the world, the Arctic, where they can be difficult to find, and scientists were hoping the recordings might help them better track and study the marine mammals. Recently scientists started listening to the recordings, which span thousands of hours. Listen to hear the sounds of killer whale calls, and learn what the recordings are teaching researchers about orca behavior and habitat.
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May 26, 2021
1:59
Whales are highly intelligent animals that live in social groups. One way they communicate is through vocalizations, or whale “songs.” In fact, every year, whales create – and memorize – new songs! Recently a photographer took pictures of whale activities and examined the role that singing plays in whale culture. Listen to learn more about the sophisticated social life of whales and hear some of their songs.
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2020
2:16
An orca is about to become a mama – again. Tahlequah first became famous in 2018 when she carried her calf, who died shortly after its birth, next to her for several weeks. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are endangered in the Pacific Northwest. The event highlighted not just the whales’ capacity to feel sadness, but also the challenges faced by orcas as they struggle to reproduce. Now scientists have confirmed that Tahleqhah is pregnant again. Listen to hear why the pregnancy is giving scientists hope and what people can do to help orcas survive.
Note: Since this story first aired, Tahlequah gave birth to a healthy new calf.
Read MoreJanuary 25, 2018
5:00
An experienced marine biologist who has worked with whales for many years, was terrified when a humpback whale took her under its fin. Suddenly, she was being rolled around by the whale and forced to hold onto its head. But the scientist then realized there was a very good reason for this strange behavior. Listen to learn how her story made front page news and what happened to her a few days after the story broke.
Read MoreDecember 30, 2015
7:21
Humpback whales sing and continually change their songs. In the 1960’s Navy engineers used underwater microphones to record sounds in the ocean to locate enemy ships. They happened to also record whale sounds. Scientists studied these sounds and discovered that only male humpback whales sing and they gradually modify their songs. The humpback’s songs have patterns and rhythms and are not just random sounds. Listen to hear more about how sound is used to learn about the life of whales.
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