Life and Death on Antarctic Ice. Killer whales, also known as orcas, are among the most intelligent predators in the ocean. They don’t rely on speed alone they rely on strategy, communication, and teamwork. When hunting seals that rest on floating ice, orcas understand that a direct attack won’t work. As long as the seal stays on the ice, it remains relatively safe. This is why orcas first observe and confirm their target, often surfacing near the ice to visually check if the seal is present. On