The scientists had previously documented orcas (Orcinus orca) in the region chasing both dusky dolphins and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis). Dusky dolphins measure about 7 feet (2 meters) long and weigh up to 187 pounds (85 kilograms). The Humboldt Current orcas weren’t eating dolphins exclusively; they hunted leatherback sea turtles, South American fur seals and Humboldt penguins, according to the study. But Humboldt Current orcas have a smaller white eye patch than known Type A orcas. A similar interaction was previously documented in Australia between an orca and a diver, but had never been observed in the Humboldt Current.

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Persons: orcas, Luis Aguilar, CETALAB, Sarah Teman, ”, Teman, “, Ana Maria García Cegarra, Alexander von Humboldt, García Cegarra, ‘, García, ” Teman, Mindy Weisberger Organizations: CNN, Northern, Southern Hemisphere, Marine Science, Humboldt, of, Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Alexander von Humboldt Institute of Natural Sciences, Chile’s University of Antofagasta, Research, Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, Hemisphere, International Union for, Chile’s Ministry of, Scientific Locations: Chile, South America, South, Antarctica, North America, Strait, Gibraltar, Scotland, Humboldt, Seattle, orcas, California, Argentina, New Zealand, Washington, British Columbia, Canada, American, Chilean Patagonia, Australia