Photo Credit: Penninsula Valdes Orca Research
PTN-019 Jaluel
Photo Credit: Punte Norte Orca Research
Península Valdés orca population consists of 25 individuals, however, it is currently unknown where the population goes when it's no at the peninsula. There may be more individuals in this population that just don't visit Peninsula Valdes, but it's not known for sure. They have a unique hunting strategy at the Pennensula- they live strand! They listen to the sound of the Sea Lion pups on the beach and then rush forwards, rolling to the side just enough to keep their dorsal fin largely under the water, and grab the pup off the beach. This is a learned skill, with only 21 individuals known to have taken up the technique since research started. Currently, 17 out of the 25 individuals in this population strand hunt.
PTN-022 Konke, PTN-026 Shotel, and PTN-018 Shekei
Photo Credit: Pennensula Valdes Orca Research
Population Numbers: Consisting of two matrilines and four unrelated individuals, the Península Valdés orca population consists of 25 living individuals, with one individual, Kshamenk, in captivity.
Population Status: Unknown
Study Years: 1993-present
Diet: South American sea lion (March-April), elephant seal (September-October), presumably rays, fish, whales, Short-beaked Common Dolphin, and various other dolphin species