{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "orca",
  "name": "Orca",
  "scientificName": "Orcinus orca",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and an apex predator found in every ocean on Earth. Highly intelligent and social, orcas hunt in coordinated family groups called pods and can weigh up to 6,000 kg (13,000 lb). Wild orcas can live 50 to 80 years or more.",
  "conservationStatus": "Data Deficient",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Artiodactyla",
    "family": "Delphinidae",
    "genus": "Orcinus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 5000,
    "lengthM": 8,
    "topSpeedKmh": 56,
    "lifespanYears": 60
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Orcinus orca"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "All oceans, from polar to tropical"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "50–80+ years in the wild"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "Up to 6,000 kg (13,000 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to 56 km/h (35 mph)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Data Deficient (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Every ocean on Earth, from polar seas to the tropics.",
    "continents": [
      "Oceans"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "Reeves, R. et al. (2017). Orcinus orca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15421/50368125"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Ford, J. K. B. (1991). Vocal traditions among resident killer whales. Canadian Journal of Zoology.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Ford, J. K. B. et al. (1998). Dietary specialization in killer whales. Canadian Journal of Zoology.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Bigg, M. A. et al. (1990). Social organization of resident killer whales. Report of the International Whaling Commission.",
      "url": null
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/orca/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/orca/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}