The relationship between humans and orcas, two of the world’s top predators, is a complex one. Recently, there have been reports of orcas attacking boats, damaging their rudders, and even sinking them. Despite the fact that orcas have never killed humans in the wild, people often feel a mix of awe and fear towards these intelligent creatures. While we admire their beauty, few would dare to swim alongside them.
Before the era of marine parks, there was a time when humans didn’t capture or fear orcas. Instead, they formed a unique partnership, working together to hunt some of the ocean’s largest creatures, like humpback and Southern right whales. This story is about an extraordinary cooperation between two very different species and the consequences when trust is broken.
In the deep waters off the eastern coast of Australia, Southern right whales and humpbacks migrate annually. The orcas in this region learned these migration patterns and would wait for the baleen whales, trapping them in the confined waters of Twofold Bay. For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people revered these orcas, incorporating them into their beliefs. When orcas herded the whales into the bay, it made it easier for the people to hunt them.
When Europeans arrived in the 19th century, they saw the abundance of whales as an opportunity. A Scottish family, the Davidsons, established a whaling station on Twofold Bay. The Aboriginal people insisted that the orcas should not be hunted and taught the settlers how to work with them. When orcas found a whale, they would alert the humans by slapping their tails on the water. The men would then row out with harpoons to hunt the whale, leaving the carcass for the orcas to eat the lips and tongue first. This arrangement was known as the “law of the tongue” and lasted for decades.
One of the most famous orca partners was a large male named Old Tom. His assistance was so crucial that he once protected George Davidson from sharks after Davidson fell into the water during a hunt. The cooperation between humans and orcas was well-documented and mutually beneficial.
Orcas have the second-largest brain among animals, which contributes to their social behavior and unique cultures. They develop different hunting methods depending on their location. When human whale hunters arrived, orcas seemed eager to collaborate. However, by the early 1900s, extensive hunting had drastically reduced baleen whale populations, leading to fewer opportunities for cooperation.
In 1923, George Davidson and a friend encountered Old Tom while hunting a humpback whale. After spearing the whale, they decided to take it back instead of leaving it for the orcas, breaking the long-standing tradition. This led to a struggle with Old Tom, resulting in the orca losing a tooth, which could have severe consequences. Old Tom survived for seven more years, but when his body washed ashore in 1930, it was discovered that he had starved.
The end of cooperation between orcas and humans raises questions about whether it was due to human betrayal or other factors. Some researchers believe that orcas were being hunted in other areas, leading to dwindling numbers. The Eden whaling operation shut down in 1929, and whaling has been outlawed since then. Recently, orcas have been spotted around Twofold Bay again, perhaps indicating a readiness to forgive humans.
The interaction between humans and nature is a fascinating area of study. Understanding ancient traditions that allowed our ancestors to survive in various environments is crucial. Exploring these relationships can teach us valuable lessons about cooperation and respect for nature.
Research the social behavior and hunting techniques of orcas. Prepare a presentation to share your findings with the class, focusing on how these behaviors might have facilitated cooperation with humans in the past.
Participate in a debate on the ethical implications of human-animal cooperation. Consider the historical context of the “law of the tongue” and discuss whether similar partnerships could or should exist today.
Write a short story from the perspective of Old Tom, the famous orca. Describe a day in his life during the peak of the human-orca partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits and challenges faced.
Create a map tracing the migration patterns of humpback and Southern right whales. Include the role of orcas in these migrations and how they might have used this knowledge to assist humans in hunting.
Engage in a class discussion about the lessons we can learn from the historical cooperation between humans and orcas. Consider how these lessons can be applied to current environmental and conservation efforts.
The relationship between the world’s top two apex predators is a complicated one. In recent months, there have been many stories of orcas attacking boats, damaging their rudders, and sometimes even sinking them. Despite the fact that orcas have never killed humans in the wild, humans are perhaps rightfully fearful of these intelligent creatures. We appreciate their magnificence, but few would willingly jump into the sea alongside them.
However, before the days of marine parks, there was a time when humans did not capture or fear orcas; instead, they befriended them, working together to hunt some of the largest creatures in the ocean, such as humpback and Southern right whales. This is a story about unimaginable cooperation between two very different species and what happens when trust is broken.
In the deep waters off the eastern coast of Australia, Southern right whales and humpbacks swim by during their annual migrations. The orcas in this region learned these migration patterns and would lie in wait for migrating baleen whales, trapping and devouring them in the confined waters of Twofold Bay. For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people of this area revered these orcas, linking their beliefs with the whales. When orcas herded the baleen whales into the bay, the people could more easily spear these whales for themselves.
When Europeans arrived in the 19th century, they took advantage of the plentiful whales that passed by the area. One family of Scottish whalers, the Davidsons, set up a whaling station on Twofold Bay. The Aboriginal people insisted that no killer whales be hunted and instead taught the settlers how to work with the orcas. When the orcas found a whale and herded it into the bay, one would swim closer to the whaling station and alert the humans by slapping its tail on the water. The men would race out to their rowboats equipped with harpoons and work with the orcas to take down their prey. After the hunt, the men would leave the carcass anchored in place, allowing the orcas to have the first go at the lips and tongue of the baleen whales before the humans returned to harvest the rest of the body for its oil. This exchange was known as the “law of the tongue” and continued for decades.
Among the most famous of the orca partners was a large male known as Old Tom. His help was so invaluable that he once circled George Davidson in the water, protecting him from sharks after Davidson was knocked out of a boat during a hunt. The level of cooperation between these humans and orcas was well documented and mutually beneficial.
Orcas have the second-largest brain in the animal kingdom, contributing to their highly social behavior and distinct cultures. They develop different hunting methods and prey in various locations. When human whale hunters entered the scene, the orcas seemed more than happy to make use of them. However, by the early 1900s, baleen whale populations had plummeted due to extensive hunting, leading to fewer opportunities for cooperation.
In 1923, George Davidson and a friend encountered Old Tom while hunting a humpback whale. After Davidson speared the whale, they decided to bring it back instead of anchoring it, breaking the long-standing tradition. This led to a struggle with Old Tom, resulting in the orca losing a tooth, which could have dire consequences. Old Tom survived for seven more years, but when his body washed ashore in 1930, it was discovered that he had starved.
The end of cooperation between orcas and humans raises questions about whether it was due to human betrayal or other factors. Some researchers believe that orcas were being hunted in other areas, leading to dwindling numbers. The Eden whaling operation shut down in 1929, and whaling has been outlawed since then. Recently, orcas have been spotted around Twofold Bay again, perhaps indicating a readiness to forgive humans.
The interaction between humans and nature is a fascinating area of investigation. Understanding ancient traditions that allowed our ancestors to survive in various environments is crucial. My videos occasionally touch on this, but I have also created a show that tests these ancient survival skills. In “Archaeology Quest,” my partner and I compete in tasks that Paleolithic humans would have needed to excel at to survive. This show is available on Nebula, where you can watch the first two episodes now.
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Orcas – A species of toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures. – In marine biology, orcas are studied for their sophisticated hunting techniques and social behaviors.
Whales – Large marine mammals of the order Cetacea, which includes the largest animals on Earth, known for their adaptations to aquatic life. – The history of whaling has significantly impacted whale populations, leading to conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
Cooperation – The process of working together to the same end, often seen in biological systems where organisms work together for mutual benefit. – In ecosystems, cooperation between species can enhance survival, such as the mutualistic relationship between certain fish and sea anemones.
Migration – The large-scale movement of species from one location to another, often driven by seasonal changes, breeding, or food availability. – The migration patterns of monarch butterflies are studied to understand the environmental cues that trigger their long journeys.
Hunting – The practice of pursuing and capturing or killing wildlife for food, sport, or population control, which has played a significant role in human history and evolution. – The hunting strategies of early humans were crucial for their survival and influenced the development of tools and social structures.
Humans – Members of the species Homo sapiens, characterized by their advanced cognitive abilities, use of language, and capacity for creating complex societies. – The impact of humans on biodiversity is a critical area of study in environmental science, as human activities have led to significant changes in ecosystems worldwide.
Partnership – A collaborative relationship between individuals or groups that is mutually beneficial, often seen in both human societies and natural ecosystems. – The partnership between bees and flowering plants is essential for pollination and the reproduction of many plant species.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, which helps us understand the development of societies and cultures over time. – The history of agriculture reveals how humans have shaped and been shaped by their environment through the domestication of plants and animals.
Traditions – Customs or beliefs passed down through generations, often playing a significant role in shaping cultural identity and practices. – Many indigenous traditions include a deep understanding of local biodiversity and sustainable practices that have been maintained for centuries.
Biodiversity – The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience. – Conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity, recognizing its importance for ecosystem services and human well-being.
