More fascinating orca facts emerge

Researchers have discovered that, just like humans, female orcas experience the menopause in what is thought to be a rare and clever piece of evolution that increases the chances of survival for their young.

Orca mums take on a leading role in large family groups and pass on knowledge to their young such as when and where to get food and, by living long after they have stopped reproducing, female orcas can then spend the rest of their life looking after their offspring.

Orcas are unusual in that their young continue to live with their mothers for the duration of their mothers’ life, with males returning to their mothers’ sides even after mating with females in other family groups.

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