Why Have Killer Whales Turned On Us And Started Attacking Boats? The 'Orca Wars' And Its Memes Explained

A recent series of attacks by orca whales on boats has attracted much attention in the media and in the meme world. Some argue that nature is healing itself, and the era of absolute human control of the high seas may be coming to an end. Big, if true. But where do we go from here? And what’s really happening?

What’s Up With The Orcas Attacking Boats?

Since 2020, orca whales off the coast of Spain and Portugal have been attacking boats, according to research put out by scientists. Working together in a coordinated way, groups of orcas repeatedly ram, bite and thrash the rudders of the boats, disabling them and leaving them adrift. In some cases, the orca attacks have even capsized the boats.

But it doesn't stop just at this strange and aggressive behavior. Pods of orcas have been observed in places where they usually aren’t observed, such as off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts and in Monterey Bay, California — accompanied by dolphins. No one knows what they may be planning.

How And Why Did The Orca Attacks Start?

Orcas are highly intelligent mammals, and scientists have observed confusing and unusual behavior from them in the past. There are several theories about these latest attacks. Some researchers think that an older orca named White Gladis taught other orcas to attack boats after she was “traumatized” by an encounter with a fishing boat. If this is the case, what Twitter posters have called the “Orca Wars” are one long revenge quest, an aquatic Kill Bill.

Another theory argues that the orcas are just playing and having fun, and the whole thing is a “fad” that will pass as soon as they get bored. This is the most innocent explanation.

A third theory proposes that the orcas got used to calmer waters and fewer boats during the Covid-19 pandemic, and now that humans are again sailing frequently, they have a problem with it.

How Have People Responded To Orcas Attacking Boats?

The response online has largely been supportive of the orcas. Some posters have pledged allegiance to the cause of the killer whales, betraying their own species to support another.

Others have applauded the intelligence and acumen shown by the marine mammals, declaring that they are "orcanizing" and cheering on their campaign against the boats.

Why Do People Support The Orcas?

The internet has seized upon other sea mammals fighting against human boats, especially Freya the Walrus, whose climate change-driven rampage through the North Sea ended in a controversial euthanization. The current craze for the Orca Wars follows similar lines: some humans are happy to see Mother Nature fighting back against what humans are doing to her. Supporting the orcas, even as a joke, may be a way of protesting human abuse of animals and oceans.

For the full history of the Orca Wars and ongoing coverage of this story, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.