National Orca Day

A joyful child with a big smile, wearing a striped t-shirt, nautical theme, coastal beach scenery.. — National orca day illustration

Did you know that there is a National Orca Day? It's time to dive deep into the internet history and discover all about this fantastic day dedicated to these majestic marine creatures. So, grab your snorkel and get ready for a whale of a time!

When is Orca Day?

It's national orca day on the 15th July.

The Internet History of National Orca Day

Every year on National Orca Day, we celebrate these incredible and intelligent creatures that roam the oceans. These black and white giants, also known as killer whales, have captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world.

National Orca Day was first mentioned online on July 15, 2015, and since then, it has gained quite a following. People are fascinated by the beauty and power of these remarkable marine mammals, and this day gives us the opportunity to learn more about them and raise awareness about their conservation.

Whether you've seen orcas in person or admired them from afar, National Orca Day is the perfect time to appreciate their grace, strength, and playful nature.

Did You Know?

Did you know that orcas are not actually whales? Despite their name, they are the largest species of dolphin!

History behind the term 'Orca'

1758

Discovery and Naming

In the year 1758, the term 'orca' was first used to describe a species of marine mammal. The term was coined by the Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus, who named the species Orcinus orca, which means 'whale of the realm of the dead' in Latin. Linnaeus mistakenly classified orcas as whales, due to their large size and similarity to other cetaceans.

1960s

Popularity as 'Killer Whale'

During the 1960s, orcas gained significant popularity and started being commonly referred to as 'killer whales.' This term was likely popularized due to their predatory behavior and their ability to take down large marine mammals. However, it is worth noting that the name 'killer whale' is a misnomer, as orcas are not whales and do not pose a significant threat to humans in the wild.

1977

Cultural Impact: 'Free Willy'

In 1977, orcas captivated the world's attention with the release of the film 'Orca,' which focused on the story of an orca seeking revenge against a killer whale hunter. However, it was a later film that truly propelled orcas into the mainstream. In 1993, the heartwarming movie 'Free Willy' portrayed the bond between a young boy and a captive orca named Willy, highlighting the need to protect and free these intelligent creatures. This film sparked a surge of public interest in orcas and led to increased awareness about their conservation.

2006

Symbol of Conservation and Tourism

Orcas have become an iconic symbol of both marine conservation and tourism. Many organizations dedicated to the protection of marine life, such as SeaWorld and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, have used orcas as emblematic figures to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding our oceans. Additionally, orca watching tours have become popular attractions in several coastal areas around the world, allowing people to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.