The incredible scene—captured by filmmaker and host of National Geographic’s Animals Up Close, Bertie Gregory—offers a window into the emotional lives of whales.

Once the pod has the herring under control, one orca slams the edge of the school with its tail—serving up dinner. But the orcas we were watching weren’t engaged in a classic carousel.

With distinctive characteristics, Split Fin and Bent Tip are part of an orca family that has thrilled South Coast residents since being spotted more than 20 years ago.

Whale watchers got a rare opportunity to watch an orca pod up close in Newport Beach. ... saw a giant splash and saw the dorsal fins, and was like, 'oh man, we hit the jackpot'," Rodriguez said.

With distinctive characteristics, Split Fin and Bent Tip are part of an orca family that has thrilled South Coast residents since being spotted more than 20 years ago.

Recent sightings of Bladerunner the humpback and Split Fin the killer whale provide an opportunity to remind everyone to keep their distance and avoid collisions with majestic marine mammals.