More than 100 false killer whales spotted in Watamu last week. It was the first sighting in Kenya.
Researchers from the Watamu Marine Association and KWS spotted the rare mammals in the marine protected area. They were sighted onTuesday, two kilometres from the beach, in shores of the Indian Ocean.
Their presence surprised the experts, who have never recorded sightings of the mammals before in Kenya.
False killer whales are much smaller than the Orcas or killer whales. They are the fourth-largest member of the dolphin family. Killer whales are the largest.
False killer whales, or blackfish, are are black or grey, sometimes marked with grey. Orcas are the black and white.
When sighted, the false killer whales were feeding. They eat fish, squid and small marine mammals. Researcher Kahindi Charo said,
“It never crossed my mind that I would one day see these animals.”
Charo said the mammals hunting in Watamu is great news for Kenya and the eco-tourism industry.
“It shows why we need to protect and conserve the ocean. I am sure we are going to see more species coming to our waters,” he said.
Several species of dolphins are found in the area.