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Superpod One – Where it All Began

Posted November 11, 2017 in Learn More by Michael Mountain

In the summer of 2011, a group of people got together for a week on San Juan Island, off the coast of Seattle. It was an informal gathering that included scientists, conservationists, whale researchers, former whale trainers, journalists and a movie maker. We spent our days watching whales, giving presentations during the evening, and hanging out at the Center for Whale Research, which has been studying the Southern Resident orca population for 42 years.

Filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite was interviewing some of us for a movie she was making, Blackfish, about the orca Tilikum who had killed his trainer Dawn Brancheau the previous year. When it was released, Blackfish would capture public attention and shake the captivity industry to its roots. And author David Kirby was also interviewing members of the group for the book he was writing, Death at SeaWorld.

After dinner, one evening, neuroscientist Lori Marino gave a talk about her research on the brains and cognitive abilities of whales and dolphins, and the discussion then turned to how good it would be if all the whales at marine parks (or “sea circuses” as the former trainers called them) could be retired to sanctuaries. After all, zoos and circuses were under increasing pressure to send their elephants and other large land animals to sanctuaries. Why not the same for whales?

At the end of the week, we agreed to stay in touch and perhaps to meet up again in the years to come. We’d call these get-togethers “Superpods” – the word scientists use for when multiple pods of whales meet up for their own social gatherings.

In the summers that followed, some of the group continued to meet on San Juan Island. And in July 2016, when hundreds of people from around the world gathered for three days of talks, movies and presentations at the local theater, Dr. Lori Marino announced the formation of an organization, the Whale Sanctuary Project, that was setting out to create a seaside sanctuary for captive whales.

The following posts make up a blog that I wrote during our five days on the island at Superpod One back in July 2011.

Table of Contents

Superpod One – Where it All Began
In the summer of 2011, a group of scientists, journalists and former orca trainers met up on San Juan Island. Their week together would eventually lead to the formation of the Whale Sanctuary Project.

Off to the Island
On the ferry to San Juan Island everyone crowds onto the top deck for glimpses of dolphins, harbor seals, eagles and other animals.

First Sighting
At the Center for Whale Research, we see dorsal fins popping out of the water … just a second or two as the orcas come up for air.

Grandma J2’s Birthday Party
Grandma J2 has celebrated her 100th birthday. San Juan Island held a party in her honor. But how do they know she’d just turned 100?

T Is for Transient
As well as the “resident” pods, who spend most of their time around the islands, there are “transient” pods whose lifestyle is quite different.

Luna: the Orca Who Wanted to Be Friends
Orcas need each other’s company. So, when Luna got separated from his family, he started making friends with humans on their boats in Nootka Sound.

Out on the Ocean, Surrounded by Orcas
We’re headed out toward the open sound, and our captain is confident we’re going to see some orcas.

Orcas at the Other End of the World
The orcas line up and create a wave that will lift one side of the ice floe and tip the seal into the water.

Orca Dinner Party
The whales need 200 pounds of food every day, and Chinook salmon is the only food that the resident orcas will eat.

Super-Intelligence
Whichever way you look at orca brains, you have to conclude that these guys are super-intelligent.

Custody Battle Over a Captive Orca
An unseemly custody battle is going on between SeaWorld and Marineland over orca Ikaika, whom SeaWorld has “loaned” them.

We’ll Meet Again . . .
The group needs a name. I suggest “Superpod” in honor of what we’ve seen and shared this week. It’s agreed … and it’s just a beginning

Also on the Blog

  • Seaside Sanctuary Concept
  • Canada Bans Captivity of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
  • Orca Brains and Intelligence
  • “Whales Without Walls” – a short film
  • The Whale Jail Is No More!
  • Site Search Report

The Case Against Keeping Whales and Dolphins Captive

The tide is turning in the West but in Asia the marine entertainment park industry is booming. 

Special report >

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