December 26th 2024.
The magnificent killer whales are the focus of a brand new BBC documentary that aims to dispel the common misconception that they are aggressive and fearsome creatures. With their massive size of up to eight meters, it's no wonder that people often associate them with danger. However, there is much more to these majestic creatures, also known as orcas, than meets the eye.
Orla Doherty, an esteemed producer, has taken it upon herself to show the world a different side of killer whales. Instead of just telling us about it, she has brought her vision to life through the new BBC show, Expedition Killer Whales. As the title suggests, the killer whales take center stage in this show, a refreshing change from their usual portrayal as villains.
In an interview with Metro, Orla expressed her frustration with the way killer whales are often depicted on screen. "They're always the villains," she said. In most documentaries, the audience is made to fear for the safety of other animals as they may become prey to these skilled hunters. While Orla acknowledges their hunting abilities, she also wants to shed light on their intelligence and the important role of strong matriarchs in their society. After going through menopause, female killer whales can live up to 50-70 years, passing down their knowledge and keeping their families together and thriving.
To truly understand these incredible creatures and educate those who may never have the chance to see them in the wild, a team of scientists and filmmakers embarked on a five-week journey to a remote corner of Antarctica. It took them two years to analyze the footage and create an episode for us to witness their discoveries. The team focused on a special group of killer whales, only about 100 of them, who call the continent their home. During their time at sea, they captured audio of killer whales communicating while hunting, a first for scientists. They also used drones to capture unique angles of the killer whales working together to create powerful waves, washing their seal prey off floating ice pieces. This project revealed new information about how females pass down their knowledge to their young, and the consequences when a mother killer whale dies.
Orla believes that killer whales deserve a rebrand, and this show aims to do just that. Along with learning about the animals, the audience also gets to know the scientists who are passionate about studying and protecting them. Leigh Hickmott, who has known a female killer whale named Gertie for nearly a decade, named after his grandmother, and Jessica Farrer, who gets excited about finding killer whale poo, are just two examples of the dedicated team. Orla hopes that by showing the humans behind the research, the audience will develop a deeper connection and understanding of these incredible creatures.
Orla has spent over 500 hours in a submarine and lived on a boat for ten years, making the ocean her home. She describes the open ocean, with nothing but water and sky, as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Although she has faced many challenges, including three instances where a storm threatened their safety while researching coral reefs, she is passionate about her work.
The safety of the animals is a top priority for the team, and they take thorough precautions to minimize any risks. As viewers watch the crew get within meters of the killer whales, they may wonder how it is possible to do so safely. Orla explains that the killer whales are smart enough to know that humans are not prey, but they also had to consider their practice of wave washing boats. Ultimately, their main concern is the well-being of the animals, and they strive to minimize any impact their presence may have on them.
Orla is a seasoned producer, having worked on episodes of Blue Planet II, narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. Orla speaks highly of him, saying that it is a joy to work with him. She admires his wisdom, experience, and passion, and believes that he has had a profound impact on raising awareness about important issues. Despite her fears about the future of our planet, Orla remains hopeful that change can happen, thanks to people like Sir David and her own experiences.
The team hopes that by showcasing the beauty and intelligence of killer whales, it will inspire people to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. Whether it's reducing pollution or limiting plastic consumption, every little effort counts in ensuring the survival of these incredible creatures. As Orla says, if that happens, her job is done.
Don't miss Expedition Killer Whales, airing on BBC2 on December 26 at 6pm. If you have a story to share, you can contact the entertainment team through email, phone, or by visiting their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you!
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