Story By: Joseph Golder / newsX
A pair of orcas were filmed feeding on a giant leatherback turtle in what researchers say is “exceptionally rare” footage of the predators hunting near the shore.
The sighting took place near Ilha dos Franceses, off Arraial do Cabo, on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, on 25th October, when locals and researchers spotted the two killer whales.
Footage recorded by photographer Marcelo Gah, who confirmed to NewsX where it was filmed, shows the orcas surrounding the massive sea turtle, one of the largest marine species in the world, before tearing into it near the shoreline.
Experts described the encounter as exceptional, noting that hunting behaviour among orcas is rarely observed so close to land.
Orcas are highly intelligent predators that often hunt in coordinated groups, demonstrating advanced teamwork and adaptability in the wild.
They have powerful jaws and teeth that can be four inches (10 centimetres) long which allows them to easily break through a sea turtle’s shell.
Researchers said the scene underlined both the abundance of marine life in the region and the raw power of nature that defines the coast of Arraial do Cabo.
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