Orcas are whales. They are mammals, not fish. They breathe air.

Most orcas live in groups called pods. Pods are families. Orcas stay with their pods for most of their lives.

Each orca pod has one leader. This is usually an older female. She is at least 45 years old. Orcas live between 60 to 80 years. Some live to be 100.

Orcas are very smart. They talk to each other. They have names for each other. They work together. They help each other.

Orcas eat animals such as fish, sharks, and seals. Some orcas even eat other types of whales.

Orcas swim fast and far. They swim hundreds of miles a day.

Orcas are very playful. They jump out of the water. They spin in the air and land with a big splash. They play games with each other, too.

Orcas also play with their food. Sometimes the food is still alive. They toss their food back and forth to each other. They let the young orcas practice catching the food. This is how orcas learn to hunt. They eat the food when they’re done.