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The mere size of the killer whale makes them dangerous! However, if handled properly, the risks are lessened. There have been rare instances where killer whales have become aggressive towards their trainer. These occasions can be avoided by experienced trainers who know the animals well and avoid stressful or unfamiliar situations. On the whole, killer whales are affectionate, social animals.
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Do you heat the pool for the killer whales during the winter months? Our resident killer whales are originally from Iceland so they are much more comfortable in colder water than in warm. Our water, even without being heated, does not freeze as it is salt water and is in constant circulation. We have actually installed chillers to keep the water cold during the summer months.
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The orca or killer whale is a member of the dolphin family. The killer whale is one of 34 members of the delphinidae family.
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Killer whales earned their name after fisherman observed the great predatory skills of these animals. Fisherman saw groups of orcas gathering together to harass and kill whales much larger than themselves. Hence, the orca was referred to as "whale killer" which eventually became reversed to killer whale - the name most commonly used to describe the species.
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First, we must remember that they are warm-blooded, air-breathing mammals and are able to stay out of the water for short periods of time (20 to 30 hours) if given proper care. The marine mammals are placed in specially-made canvas stretchers and suspended in metal or plastic crates for shipping. After they are secure in the crate, their bodies are coated with a lanolin cream to prevent the skin from becoming dry. Marine mammals do not "sweat" as we do, instead they lose excess body heat to the water which surrounds them. To help regulate their body temperature during transport, the marine mammals are sprayed with water every five to ten minutes. If the marine mammals are being transported for long distances, they are usually shipped by plane.
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Tuna net fishing, drift nets and pollution pose the greatest threat to dolphin populations.
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