(Photo of J-53 by Mark Sears – NOAA research permit 16163-01)

The baby boom among Puget Sound’s orcas has given new hope to the humans who love them. You’ll hear more about them – and the Southern Resident Killer Whale adults – at The Whale Trail‘s next Orca Talk event, just announced for 7:30 pm December 3rd at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor):

Over the past year, six new calves have been born to the Southern Resident Killer Whales (J, K and L pods). What does that mean for this endangered population – how healthy are they overall? What have we learned over the past year, and what are the most pressing questions still to be addressed?

Join us to hear the latest findings and future research directions, presented by Dr. Brad Hanson, NWFSC lead killer whale researcher.

This is the second in the 2015/2016 Orca Talk series hosted by The Whale Trail in West Seattle. The event also features updates from Robin Lindsey (Seal Sitters), and “Diver Laura” James (tox-ick.org). Come early and share some holiday cheer!

Buy tickets now to reserve your seat. And hurry – this will likely sell out.

Haven’t heard of The Whale Trail before? At the heart of it, as executive director Donna Sandstrom describes it, it’s “a series of sites where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment. Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 30 million people each year. The Whale Trail is currently adding new sites along the North American west coast, from BC to California. The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and the Whale Museum.”

Back to tickets for the event – $5 suggested donation; kids free. Go to this Brown Paper Tickets page.