Killer whales, also known as orcas, are the ocean’s top predators, instantly recognisable by their bold black-and-white colouring and tall dorsal fins. Found in oceans all around Australia — from icy southern waters to the tropics — they live in tight-knit family groups called pods and use sophisticated vocal calls to communicate and coordinate hunts. Different pods even have their own “dialects” and specialised hunting techniques, from herding fish to targeting larger prey. While globally widespread, they face threats from pollution, noise disturbance and reduced prey availability, and organisations like Sea Shepherd Australia advocate for stronger marine protection. Some pods have been observed teaching younger whales complex hunting strategies, passing down knowledge across generations like underwater family traditions.