A new BBC TV film focusing on its hunting behaviour hopes to change perceptions of the fearsome ocean creature
Deadly hunters or nurturing matriarchs? New BBC film hopes to change perceptions of this ‘ruthless’ predator
In a remote corner of Antarctica, a group of around 100 orcas were filmed demonstrating unprecedented hunting behaviour.
Swimming together, they created powerful waves that washed their seal prey off floating ice. The resulting footage gripped people around the world after it featured in BBC One’s Frozen Planet II.
What is Expedition Killer Whale about?
Expedition Killer Whale joins a group of scientists and filmmakers as they return to the icy Antarctic waters to further understanding of the unique hunting behaviour of killer whales.
‘Killer whales generally incite feelings of fear – they’re seen as fierce, terrifying, ruthless hunters,’ says Orla Doherty, the executive producer. ‘But in Expedition Killer Whale, we set out on a mission to reveal an entirely different side to these killer whales. This film really dives deep into the matriarchs – the females that lead their families.’
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Doherty continues: ‘I have dedicated myself to making films and telling the world about the wonders of the ocean and the top animal, the most impressive, the most intelligent and the most fascinating animal in the ocean is the killer whale. The opportunity to show the world the intelligence, the skill and the nurturing, caring side of these animals to the world, particularly in the female pack ice killer whales, has been absolutely incredible.’
Follow these whales as they pass on a lifetime’s worth of knowledge, so the generations below can continue to hunt successfully in their hostile and ever-changing environment. Witness one matriarch leading a ‘teaching session’ in how to safely hunt crabeater seals, and listen to the first audio recordings of sounds that killer whales make when hunting and looking for prey. For one filmmaker in particular, the search becomes personal as they attempt to track one female whale, called Gertie, who they’ve known for almost ten years.
Expedition Killer Whale is a BBC Studios Natural History Unit (also the producers behind Frozen Planet II and Planet Earth III) production for BBC and PBS with The WNET Group.
When can I watch Expedition Killer Whale?
Expedition Killer Whale will be broadcast on BBC Two on Thursday 26th December 2024 at 6pm-7pm.
Where can I watch Expedition Killer Whale?
Expedition Killer Whale will be broadcast on BBC Two, and will be available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
Discover more TV programmes to watch
- The trailer for The Secret Lives of Animals has been released – and it features unprecedented animal behaviour
- How to watch David Attenborough’s Asia: don’t miss the groundbreaking BBC wildlife series
- How to watch Frozen Planet II