Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Orca or ‘killer whales’ are actually the largest species of dolphin.  Tens of thousands of dolphins drown each year in fishing nets, plus over-fishing has diminished their food stocks. 

Other threats include their accumulation of toxins, habitat destruction and noise pollution.  Wild dolphins are regularly caught for the captive industry, and while whaling was banned in 1986, Japan, Norway and Iceland ignore the ban and campaign to legalise whaling again.

Conservation Status

The orca is not thought to be endangered but local populations are under threat.