Date: 2/12/2008
The orcas, each more than six metres long, surfaced in the Pacific Ocean off northern Vancouver Island, Canada. They were pictured by wildlife photographer Rolf Hicker, who has spent 15 years watching them hunt and play. âThere is hardly anything more beautiful than to be in a small boat with the engine off, and to see these creatures break through the surface,â says Mr Hicker. Despite their awesome size and fearsome reputation, orcas are friendly, inquisitive and bright. They are not true whales but the largest members of the dolphin family. Northern Vancouver Island is a whale-watcherâs paradise, with orcas constantly in evidence.