The pioneering science that unlocked the secrets of whale culture
For a new documentary series on whales, underwater photographer Brian Skerry sought to capture whales’ “human traits” and had to shed his scuba gear in order to access their intimate realm.
In the waters off New Zealand, an orca seemed to offer a stingray to photographer Brian Skerry, dropping it at his feet. The orca eventually picked up the untouched ray, later sharing it with another whale. Orcas are known to share their food and to be picky eaters, having distinct preferences for prey that may differ from neighboring orca pods. It s a trait that illustrates whale culture, the idea at the heart of a new documentary series.Photograph by Brian Skerry