Orcas Frolick in the Ocean near Seattle
A family of orcas in Puget Sound off the coast of Seattle yesterday.
Happy New Year, Baby Orca J-48
Keep baby J-48 in your thoughts this Holiday weekend. She’s the third calf to be born to the extended family of orcas (killer whales) known as the J pod. The calf, the third to be born this year among the three pods, was first observed last weekend by NOAA researchers.
Looking Up for Elephants and Orcas
There’s a lot of long, hard work to be done on behalf of these animals and others. But never before have there been so many lawsuits and government actions being leveled against the captivity industry.
Young Orca Will Be Transferred to Circus
Morgan’s arrival at the amusement park follows a long court dispute between commercial interests and animal protection groups.
You Are Not His Family!
There’s something a bit creepy about SeaWorld spokesman David Koontz telling us that Ikaika the pre-teen, troubled orca “will become a member of our family.”
SeaWorld Back on Trial
SeaWorld is back in court today to defend itself against charges of “willful” neglect by OSHA in the death of killer whale trainer Dawn Brancheau by orca Tilikum.
How Do You Define a Person?
While a pair of cells may be deemed to be a person, a 40-year-old elephant or orca, who carries the wisdom and culture of her community, is no more considered a person than is a computer or a pile of garbage.
Will PETA’s SeaWorld Suit Sink or Swim
Demanding constitutional rights won’t fly. But watch for another approach that will soon change everything.
SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Five
We learn about the “Tilly Talk” that’s given to all new trainers at SeaWorld. The message: “If you end up in the water with Tilikum, you’re going to die.”
SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Four
Witnesses at the hearing that pits SeaWorld against the OSHA were once again focusing on how exactly killer whale Tilikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water before killing her.
SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Three
In the third day of the hearing, OSHA showed a 2006 video of trainer, Ken Peters, being nearly drowned at SeaWorld San Diego by orca Kasatka.
Facts about Killer Whales in Captivity
Here are a few facts and figures about orcas in captivity. There are currently 42 orcas in captivity worldwide. More than half of them are owned by marine circuses in the U.S.
SeaWorld Goes on Trial
Monday, 19 months after killer whale Tilikum dragged his trainer to her death, SeaWorld Orlando will be in court to fight charges of having committed “willful” safety violations.
Hugs and Goodbyes
See you in Alaska! Visiting the Orcas Tuesday: Grandma J2’s Birthday Wednesday: Off to the Island First Sighting Thursday: T is for Transient Luna the Orca…
SeaWorld Shenanigans
This is from our special feature: “My Visit to the Orcas.”
Behind the Scenes at the Orca Meet-Up
This is from our special feature: “My Visit to the Orcas.”
Orca Dinner Party
Chinook salmon is on the menu
Super-Intelligence
Scientists have several ways of measuring the size and complexity of the brains of different animals. However you look at orca brains, you have to conclude that these guys are super-intelligent.
Superpod!
“The “J” pod is south of us near the point over there and heading up toward where the other pods are coming down. They may all be joining up for a superpod.”
Orcas on Vacation
Hunting in the Antarctic, taking a break in the tropics Visiting the Orcas Tuesday: Grandma J2’s Birthday Wednesday: Off to the Island First Sighting Thursday: T…