# @centerforbiodiv on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCmGXHk5Sh
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/35955064-centerforbiodiv-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9d711eabdc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-10-20T18:08:29.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Center for Biological Diversity (@CenterForBioDiv) — https://gondola.cc/CenterForBioDiv

## Caption

Did you know that the scientific name for the killer whale, Orcinus, is derived from the Latin word orcus , which means “of the netherworld.” Originally known as “whale killer,” the orca's common name stems from early whalers' records of the species' predatory behavior.

Killer whales are found in all of the world's oceans and most seas, but the Southern Resident population makes its home in the international inland waters of Puget Sound, Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait and Georgia Strait, occasionally visiting California in winter.

The stresses and dangers faced by the Southern Resident Orcas (or Puget Sound killer whale) are many. Toxic chemicals, declines in salmon, general ecosystem deterioration, growing whale-watching pressure, collisions with ships, oil spills, Navy sonar, and entanglement in fishing nets have pushed this population into decline.

Fewer than 75 Southern Residents remain on Earth. 

Using science and law, we will continue to defend this critically endangered population on the West Coast. 

#TeamOrca #SaveOurOcean #MarineConservation 

[Image description: 1) Three orcas swim through calm, dark water with a backdrop of snowy mountains. Title: "Species Spotlight: Southern Resident Orca". 2) Five orcas swim close together in calm, dark water. Caption: "The charismatic killer whale, or orca, is an intelligent, social predator known to form lasting social bonds and lives in highly organized pods where everyone cares for the young, sick or injured." 3) Three orcas seen from above, the fins on their backs breaking the surface of the water. Caption: "But like all endangered species, those pods must learn how to navigate the complicated, dangerous terrain of the 21st century." 4) Two orcas leap from the water. Caption: "Fewer than 75 Southern Residents remain on Earth. They’re in a dangerous decline because of a lack of food, pollution, and noise and disturbance from boats." 5) Three orcas swimming, only the fins on their backs visible. Caption: "We use science and law to defend a critically endangered population on the West Coast known as the Southern Resident orcas."]

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 260
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 5

## Tags

teamorca, saveourocean, marineconservation

---
Copyright (c) Gondola