Up Close And Personal With False Killer Whales

Photo credit: NOAA 

If this experience is any indication of what’s to come, Julie Steelman and her colleagues are in for a fantastic 2015.

It was the first day of the new year and the Hawaiian island photographers were in for a surprise.

The group was out capturing what we can only assume to be stunning images of the Hawaiian islands when a pod of false killer whales decided to join in on the fun.

Steelman said they instantly knew this was a rare occasion that would not last long.

The whales generally circulate the islands swimming at about nine kilometers per hour. There were probably twenty-five to thirty whales in total. Steelman noticed that they would split into groups of four to seven darting this way and that before eventually rejoining the entire pod.

Unfortunately, the Hawaiian false killer whales are endangered and number around 200 in the waters surrounding the islands.

We hope as more people become aware and conservation-conscious, species like the false killer whale will be able to make comebacks and more people will have amazing opportunities to witness them like Julie and her crew.

Visit khon2.com or check out the video for more information.