Orcas at Risk? Culture and Conservation of West Coast Killer Whales

The plight of Southern Resident Killer Whales has received international attention in recent years.  Too much noise, disturbance and contaminants, and­ –– perhaps most importantly –– insufficient food, have all played a role in putting this population at serious risk. 

But while Southern Residents are struggling, other killer whale populations along the west coast are thriving. 

In this lecture, cetacean research biologist Dr. John Ford describes the importance of cultural traditions in the lives of orcas and how these dictate where they go, who they associate with, what they eat, and, ultimately, how well they can cope with a changing marine environment.

Dr. John Ford is a globally recognized expert in the identification, social organization, and life history of killer whales. His pioneering work in the 1970’s revealed the incredibly complex social structure within different populations of killer whales, and his research paved the way for an appreciation of orcas as highly intelligent marine mammals. 

$5 donation at the door. 

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024