Tag Archives: Endangered orcas

Grieving With the Orcas

https://flic.kr/p/nuro3J

By Shannon Perry

Anyone following the news of the dead baby Orca can’t help but feel deep sadness on seeing the images of the mother pushing her baby through the water, and diving to lift it up when it starts to sink. In addition, a four-year-old female is very ill, and scientists are offering her food and giving her antibiotics. A task force created by Washington governor Jay Inslee is looking at causes of their struggles. Some on the committee say this is the last chance to make a difference for this pod. Recommendations that were proposed 20 years ago haven’t been put in place.

Despite being listed as endangered, their numbers continue to decline. Main factors are loss of salmon, their main food source, exposure to toxins in food that store in the orca’s fat, and disturbance by ocean going traffic.

Wondering how to help? Here’s a Canadian group.

https://www.orcarescue.com

To follow this story, check out the following links.

https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/orca-task-force-to-tackle-dwindling-prey-water-toxins/281-581266600

https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/as-another-orca-falters-daring-rescue-plan-is-hatched/281-580152666

https://defenders.org/magazine/spring-2016/looking-sound-solution