The Killer Whale - Orcinus orca

Kingdom: Animalia

     Phylum: Chordata

         Class:  Mammalia

             Order:  Cetacea

               Suborder:  Odontoceti

                     Family:  Delphinidae

                         Genus:  Orcinus

                             Species:  orca

Orcinus orca is more commonly known as the Killer Whale and often just referred to as “orca.”  The name “whale” is a bit misleading because these orcas are actually a part of the oceanic dolphin family; in fact they are the biggest members of the dolphin family. 

The killer whale belongs to the suborder, Odontoceti, meaning toothed whale.  O. orca can be identified by the distinct color markings on their body, black and white.  It is because of this color trait that the orca has been commonly categorized a “tuxedo” animal, much like the penguin.  The orca promotes a black dorsal side with a white ventral side and patches of white around the eye.  The dorsal fin of an orca is also quite eye-catching.  This fin can become as tall as 6.5 feet tall.  To support this massive dorsal fin, the orca’s body ranges from 20 to 26 feet long for males and 16 to 23 feet for females.  The female of this species can weigh in at over 3 tonnes, while the males surpass them by weighing over 6 tonnes, full grown.  Orcas feed on a variety of prey, including whales and even sharks – including the Great White shark! 

O. orcas, are found throughout every ocean in the world.  Their range and number is so great it is unclear how many of these mammals are distributed to specific areas.  They seem to tolerate almost of temperatures of water, which is reason as to why they can be seen in almost any ocean or sea. 

Killer Whales also bring about much debate in the animal education and training industries, in regards to captivity.  The most current incident regarding these animals concerns Sea World and the heated topic of animals in human care, a.k.a – captivity.  The debate holds many concerns on both sides concerning the overall health and well being of these animals.  Pro-“Human care” activists bring to light the fact that many animals in facilities all over the world were born in those facilities and are unable to care for themselves in the wild because of this fact.    However, anti-“captivity” protesters argue that facilities are keeping these “wild” animals caged up and are essentially mentally handicapping these animals; making them “sad” or “depressed.”  The debate is one that will be seen to play out over time, with various resounding stances from both sides.  However, no one can argue the fact that facilities such as Sea World have played a major role in educating the public, conducting valuable research, performing rescue responses and vitial rehabilitation of these animals. 

Literature Cited

Undefined. (2011). Killer Whale (Orca). NOAA National Geographic. Retrieved April 17, 2011,
     from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/killer-whale.html

Undefined. (2011). Killer Whale. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 17, 2011, from
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killer_whale

Undefined. (2010). Orca, Killer Whale: ZoomWhales.com.  Enchantedlearning.com. Retrieved
    April 17, 2011.  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales/species/Orca.shtml.

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Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B is often identified as common food poisoning, but has been known to cause a form of toxic shock syndrome.  It is caused by the bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus.  SEB can be found in unrefrigerated meats and dairy products. 

Even when the bacteria is killed, the toxin can remain active.  When a victim suffers from SEB, the have all the symptoms of food poisoning: nausea, cramping, and diarrhea all within a sort time frame of ingesting the bacteria.  SEB has been studied as a biological warfare agent because it can be aerosolized and cause mass amounts of damage, effecting several organ systems, producing shock and can even be fatal when enough of the agent is inhaled.

Ross River Virus

Australia is a country that is an obsession of mine, right up there with New Zealand and Fiji.  However, as intrigued as I am with these tropical locations...it is also home to one pesky little mosquito, Aedes camptorhynchus, the Southern Saltmarsh mosquito. This not-so-lovely, flying pest is known to be a bitter not only during dawn and dusk, but also throughout the day.

A. camptorhynchus is the known vector of the Ross River Virus.  This virus, although not known to be fatal, leaves it's victims suffering with pain in their muscles and joints (polyarthritis), a rash, high fever, dehydration, and all over weakness.  Ross River Virus is more common during the Summer and Autumn months when A. camptohynchus are most abundant.  The infection can last anywhere from 3-21 days, in rare cases, a month.  It's transmitted from mosquito to human and cannot be spread human to human.

Prevention is fairly straight forward.  Use all means of protection possible, from staying indoors or in screened enclosures, to wearing appropriate clothing covering the skin, and of course use insect repellent.  Even with this pesky mosquito, it still doesn't detour the desire to visit such amazing countries as Australia and New Zealand...just be sure to pack the "OFF!"

http://medent.usyd.edu.au/photos/aedes%20camptorhynchus.htm

http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/ross%20river%20&%20barmah%20forest.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_River_virus



Eubalaence Glacialis



Eubalaence Glacialis

North Atlantic Right Whale

Living in Florida sets up prime real estate for viewing such awesome marine mammals, such as the

Eubalaence Glacialis.  The North Atlantic Right Whale can be seen off the eastern shores of Florida from December to March.  They travel to this area, from the waters off New England and Canada, for calving.  However, the right whale is on it's way to extinction, being a highly endangered speicies today. There is only an estimated 300-400 left.

The right whale is quite easy to spot, giving the whale's massive size.  E. Glacialis can reach up to 55 feet in length and weigh in at a whapping 70 tons!  Right whales tend to swim nearer to shore, and towards the surface of the water.  These characteristics made them an easy target for whalers prior to the ban of commericial whalening, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  E. Glacialis were viewed as the "right whale" to hunt.

Given the knowledge that there are currently so few Right Whales left, conservation and education of these animals is increasingly important.  Even the loss of just one, can send ripples through the communities of marine biologist and conservationalist.  Recently, this was the case in St. Augustine, Florida.  The attempted multiple rescue sessions of a young right whale, ended fatally.  The whale had become entangled in fishing line/gear, and eventually died from what is believed to be a combination of the physical trama and wounds.  The right whale was bought to shore, where a necropsy (autopsy for an animal) was held on the beach.  From the scientific stand point, we can use this to learn more about the right whale.  From a conservation stand point, we can use this incident to further educate the public on how few and precious these particular mammals are, and their importance to the oceans ecosystem and rhythm.