How Orcas Give Birth
Orcas give birth tail first underwater, usually in warm, shallow waters within their home range. The mother surfaces quickly so the calf can take its first breath. A newborn orca calf is typically around 2.4 meters long and weighs about 180 kilograms.
Orca Pregnancy and Calf Development
Orca gestation lasts about 17 months, one of the longest among cetaceans. Females usually give birth every three to ten years. The calf nurses on rich milk and stays close to its mother, learning to swim and hunt within the pod.
Orca Reproduction and Pod Support
Orca births are social events, with other females often assisting. The pod helps protect the mother and calf from predators and turbulence. Orca reproductive success depends on food availability, pod stability, and low human disturbance.
For detailed information on orca life history, see National Geographic Orca.
