The killer whale is one of 35 species in the oceanic dolphin family, which first appeared about 11 million years ago.

When were orcas first discovered?

The first record of the unusual killer whales came in 1955, when 17 animals stranded on the coast of Paraparaumu, New Zealand. Compared to other killer whales, they had more rounded heads, a narrower and more pointed dorsal fin, and a tiny white eyepatch; no whales like this had ever been described before.

How long have orcas been around?

Killer whales have been around about 11 million years. Compared to them, we are a relatively new species on the planet.