The largest recorded Orca

[GuateGojira]

Here is another record from Gerald Wood and his book "Animal Facts and Feats" (edition of 1982):

*This image is copyright of its original author

It seems that "Orky" was slightly shorter but heavier than "Tillikum". The problem is that in this case, it is clear that the weight was estimated (I don't have data about Tilikum, but I think he was weighed directly.

In the edition of 1978, Wood cited other two captive specimens that were trained by military purposes:

1. Ahab: 5.79 m (19 ft) long and 2494 kg (5500 lb).
2. Ishmael: 5.18 m (17 ft) long and 2041 kg (4500 lb).

This other captive specimens can help us the give an idea of the length-weight relation in orcas.

Here are other picture of Tilikum, where you can see its huge size and fatness:

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

This image show how the orcas are weighed in captivity, which direct me to think that Tilikum (and other captive specimens) were actually weighed.

*This image is copyright of its original author

This other image show another way to weight orcas:

*This image is copyright of its original author

"Currently, the EWS product line includes truck and track scales, tank and hopper scales, floor and bench scales, tension measurement systems, process control weighing systems, and a variety of custom designed weigh systems. The picture below shows a killer whale sliding up on a 9 by 15 foot platform scale designed to hold up to 40,000 pounds."

Check this link, there is the explanation: http://econintersect.com/b2evolution/blo...f-made-man

This show that is perfectly posible the weight an orca in captivity.
  Reply