Orca Sleeping Behavior

We observed members of J-Pod in a sleeping pattern. Unlike humans, Orca whales are voluntary breathers and must consciously rise to the water's surface to breathe. When sleeping, they shut down half of their brain to allow them both rest and control their breathing. Sleeping as a pod, their movements become synchronized as they submerge for long periods of time and periodically surface for air.

 

Shot while aboard the Island Explorer traveling around the San Juan Islands, WA.

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