Orcas filmed attacking Southern Right whale and calf off Southern Cape
Surf instructor Shannon Ainslie filmed the orcas off Jongensfontein, near Stilbaai, and watched them for about an hour. Marine scientist Dr Simon Elwen said the footage almost certainly showed an attempt to hunt the whales.
Ainslie said the orcas were trying to separate the calf from its mother. He described their behaviour in an interview.
Elwen is a founding director of Sea Search. He said attacks on large whales such as humpbacks or Southern Right whales have been rare in South Africa. He said three attacks in just over a month is a real game changer.
Researchers are investigating whether the same orcas caused the recent attacks. Elwen said presumably they did. He also said mother whales often move close to shore to stop predators attacking the calf from underneath.
Key facts
- Who
- Shannon Ainslie (surf instructor who filmed the footage); Simon Elwen (marine scientist, founding director of Sea Search); Lester Kiewit (CapeTalk presenter who interviewed Ainslie)
- What
- Footage of orcas apparently attacking a Southern Right whale mother and calf off Jongensfontein, near Stilbaai, has drawn the attention of marine scientists. Marine scientist Dr Simon Elwen said the footage almost certainly showed a predation attempt.
- When
- 22 October 2026
- Where
- Jongensfontein, Stilbaai, Southern Cape
- Status
- Reported