Orca: The Whale Called Killer

I used this for a gift for a friend. He enjoyed it.

This is the fifth edition of this book. The story starts in 1973 and ends with the current status on whale capture and where whales stand now. In 1973 the author started out as a soundman whose job it was to record whales for a documentary film about killer whales during a sailing expedition along Canada's Pacific Coast. That one job evolved into him becoming a whale researcher and learning that killer whales are really not killers of humans at all unless in captivity. This text is a delicate balance between his and his colleagues scientific research and his whale watching excursions. I often felt that I was in the zodiac, canoe, or boat watching along with him. There are many traits he learned from the whales and many facts he discovered as well. For instance, one whale pod trait that resonated with me was his observation that "the spirit of the killer whale pod is cooperation, rather than competition." Another trait we could learn from killer whales is "how to get along with each other. The importance of family." One fact is that whales can live as long as humans do. Another fact is that various whale pods have different dialects. Over the last century, too many whales were captured and died as a result of the public's need to see them in aquariums. Although sentiment has changed about keeping whales captive, dangers still exist with captures by China, Japan, etc. In summary, this book is a gem to me. I loved the author's preservation and naturalist spirit. Reading this reminded me of a whale farewell I experienced at the end of my 2005 trip to Antarctica. As our tour left the Penola Strait and went through the gorgeous and breathtaking Lemaire Channel, we passed Cape Bernard (two peaks that looked like bookends) as we sailed from a beatifully sunny afternoon into early evening. There were some interesting clouds that were just suspended in mid air between the water and the middle of the mountains. The sun lit up the snow and ice and also brought out the blue in the icebergs. Nature was all around us. As if to say a final farewell, we saw two humpback whales (a mom and calf). The calf slapped the water with its extended flippers two times as if to wave goodbye. It was certainly a wonderful end to our last day in Antarctica. Even though these were not killer whales we saw, this author's story transported me back to the tranquilty of that trip and experiencing whales quietly in their own playground where I and the author believe they should remain.

I had read this book originally many years ago and was inspired by the description of Orcas, largely due to the fascinating parallels between orca and human family units and structure. Returning to the text after so much time, and focusing on the preface and epilogue as well as on the many updates of the storyline, I remain fascinated. In some ways this was simply an opportunity to visit with families I came to know years ago, to see what they have been up to and to share in their joys and sorrows along the way. In other ways, this provides a chance to see whether we have humans have accomplished what was clearly necessary so long ago - the development of an ability to interact productively with other species. Do we come in peace? Or do we come to pillage? Well written and compelling the entire way through - partly an history lesson, partly a biology lesson, and partly a sociologic dissertation, all the while providing everything one might want about Orcas!

4.5 Stars This updated and expanded fifth edition includes a 2019 introduction which discusses the current threats to Orca populations, addresses the increased research in the field, new legislation regarding whales in captivity, and more. While I’ve not read any of the previous editions, it was easy to see where updates were made with various footnotes throughout the text. This is an extensive study, not a light or casual read. There’s a lot of material here so it would definitely be a go-to source for someone studying the subject matter or looking for source material to write a school report. There are maps, diagrams, index, further reading list, an appendix with timeline, and an afterword with facts that would be useful to students. There are two sections of glossy photo pages that are quite visually appealing. This work includes extensive field studies (alongside journal entries and explanations of climate and landscape of the area where the studies took place), history, background, legends, and misconceptions about Orcas. It chronicles how they came to obtain their “killer” moniker and the changing perception of Orcas as dangerous villains to lovable vacation animals. As someone who grew up in the “Shamu” era, it was quite interesting to read about the exploitation, dangers, and determent involved with these animals in captivity. On a lighter note, there are success stories such as the real life “Free Willy.”

I didn't realize how little I knew of the ongoing issues the Orca have faced since industrializing of the Salish Sea and the Pacific Coast. It's an important book and in this 5th edition, the facts of current affairs is caught up on, which is important because we are dealing with serious threats to all of the pods, regardless of what they are eating or where they tend to hang out. Anyone who cares about the iconic Orca, would be happy to have this in their library. I was surprised that I didn't have the stories about Luna and Springer correct. Amazing what you mix up and forget and this is why it's good to have a printed copy of this information. Great information but hard to read at times, very disturbing what humans do to other species in the name of science or entertainment, or in the mind set of being the supreme being of this earth. We could be so much wiser and helpful to Orca and other animals we share the earth with. Recommend highly.

Very informative about a relatively unknown animal.

Livro interessante. Recomendo

It was a gift and the person who received it was very happy!

Impecable y completa introducción al apasionante mundo de las orcas.

Great information about the whales but the author tends to describe events very closely. I do not need to know what he had for dinner in 1970 and I also do not need to know that he liked the wife of his colleague from years ago. I would have enjoyed the book more if the information were more compressed.