Orcas appearing to stage a chilling training exercise, simulating the act of drowning one of their own.
In a remarkable discovery, a BBC nature series called "Parenthood" has captured the first-ever footage of orcas practicing a brutal hunting strategy[1][2][3]. This groundbreaking footage, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, shows orcas using a technique to drown large prey, such as blue whales, which they have been suspected of employing for entertainment value rather than food[1].
The video depicts a young orca acting as prey while other pod members surround it and hold its head underwater, demonstrating the art of suffocation to inhibit breathing[1][2][3]. This practice-hunting behavior, where orcas drown their prey, had been hypothesized before but was never documented on film until this footage was released in August 2025[1][2].
Interestingly, orcas in Bremer Bay, Western Australia, where the footage was filmed, typically do not feed on blue whales. Instead, they prefer giant and colossal squids[4]. However, the footage shows the orca pod hunting a blue whale, with the young orca pretending to drown as part of a brutal training session[1][2][3]. It remains unclear from the footage whether the orcas succeed in killing the blue whale.
The practice of matriphagy, where a mother spider sacrifices her own body to feed her young, is a different story highlighted in "Parenthood" by its director, Jeff Wilson[5]. This five-part series, airing on PBS's "Nature" later this year or early next year, explores various strategies and behaviors used by animal parents[5].
In addition to the groundbreaking orca footage, "Parenthood" offers an Orca quiz for viewers[6]. This interactive feature includes a ranking system, player names, games played, scores, and times, providing an engaging and educational experience[6]. The quiz also comes with Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy for users' protection[6].
The discovery of orcas practicing their hunting techniques provides new insight into the social learning and complex hunting strategies of these fascinating creatures. For more information, tune in to "Parenthood" on PBS's "Nature."
[1] BBC News, "Orcas filmed practicing drowning technique for the first time," August 2025, www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58463262 [2] National Geographic, "First footage shows orcas practicing drowning technique," August 2025, www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2025/08/orcas-drowning-technique-first-footage-revealed [3] The Guardian, "Orcas filmed practicing drowning technique for the first time," August 2025, www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/01/orcas-filmed-practicing-drowning-technique-for-the-first-time [4] Australian Geographic, "Orcas in Bremer Bay: What they eat and why," March 2023, www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2023/03/orcas-in-bremer-bay-what-they-eat-and-why [5] The Hollywood Reporter, "Jeff Wilson on 'Parenthood' and the Most Shocking Moments in Animal Parenting," February 2025, www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeff-wilson-parenthood-most-shocking-moments-animal-parenting-1234985955 [6] PBS, "Parenthood Orca Quiz," Accessed August 2025, www.pbs.org/nature/parenthood/orca-quiz
- The groundbreaking discovery in science, showcased in the BBC nature series "Parenthood, reveals orcas using a drowning technique for hunting, not just entertainment.
- The five-part series on PBS's "Nature," entitled "Parenthood," delves into various strategies and behaviors used by animal parents, such as the practice of matriphagy.
- Beyond the orca footage, the interactive Orca quiz in "Parenthood" offers an engaging and educational experience, incorporating a ranking system and user protection policies.
- Aside from general news and lifestyle topics, the world of education and self-development also gains attention through the release of insightful documentaries such as "Parenthood" on space-and-astronomy, medical-conditions, and sports-related subjects.
