Orcas Hunt In New Zealand Harbour

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - A pod of orca whales entertained residents on the Manukau Harbour last Wednesday morning.

The orcas were spotted going from Mangere Bridge towards Waikowhai Beach.

Resident Kris James says: "When they came in, the tide was out and they went really close by."

Mr James says there were about 10 or 12 whales in the pod.

Conservation Department ranger Karl McLeod says orcas visit the harbour several times a year.

"What’s unique about New Zealand orcas is that they feed on stingrays.

They don’t do that anywhere else in the world." He says orcas visiting the Manukau Harbour are likely to be hunting the barbed sea creatures.

"They have adapted and evolved techniques for pack hunting them."

There are about 200 orca in New Zealand waters.

Source: Auckland News