Russian Scientists Search for Elusive White Orca Whale

Two years ago Russian researchers spotted what they believe is the only all white, adult killer whale in the North Pacific Ocean. Now the research team plans to explore the region to try to identify and observe the orca named Iceberg.

For our Geo Quiz, we’re looking for the name of some islands in Russia’s Far East.

They’re located off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Bering Sea. The chilly waters around these islands are migrating habitat for many whales, including sperm whales, humpbacks and orcas. Two years ago, Russian marine scientists spotted a white dorsal fin sticking out of the water. It may belong to an all white adult orca killer whale.

Now the Russian researchers plan to return to these islands to locate and observe the white orca they’ve nicknamed Iceberg. Can you name these Russian islands? Hint: Can you read Russian (Ð?омандо́Ñ?ские осÑ?Ñ?ова́)?

This summer Russian researchers will search for Iceberg. The search begins in the Bering Sea near the Commander Islands or Komandorski Islands, the answer to our Geo Quiz.

Erich Hoyt co-directs the Far East Russia Orca Project and is part of the research team that hopes to identify and observe the elusive white orca killer whale.