The Orca Scientists

Killer whales have gotten a bad rap. They aren’t killers at all; they are really called Orca, and they are gentle and very intelligent. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining, but there are some people working hard to track and count the Orca and understand how they interact with each other and communicate. These dedicated scientists spend long days on boats following the whales along the northwest coast of the United States and into Canada. A dwindling food supply and the ocean becoming more contaminated with every passing day is having a negative impact. The scientists are using a variety of interesting methods in their work. Everything from using dogs trained to track whale poop to identifying the animals through their dorsal fins and saddle patches — each as unique as a human fingerprint. Author Kim Perez Valice has told an amazing story with lively text in which her research and love of subject shines. The book is illustrated with extraordinary photographs by Andy Comins and some from the Center for Whale Research as well as a few drawings and maps. Young readers and old will find this true story fascinating and hopeful.