Virtual Orca Talk with Dr. Holly Fearnbach

Join the Estuarium on January 21st at 2 p.m. for an exciting and timely virtual talk on the health of local Orcas. Dr. Holly Fearnbach is a leading researcher in the field of marine mammal health. For more than two decades she has worked with the government (NOAA), NGOs, and academic research groups on studies to support the conservation of whales and dolphins in US waters and internationally. This includes photogrammetry studies to assess the body condition, growth, and reproductive success of free-ranging whales and inference from post-mortem analyses of stranded animals. She now brings these skills and collaborations to SR³, a local marine mammal research and rehabilitation organization in Des Moines, WA. There she contributes to health assessments of marine mammals, notably endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

To participate in this talk either visit the Estuarium at 2 pm on January 21st or join zoom through the link!

Explore the Puget Sound through the lens of an Orca through the rotating exhibit, The Orca Odyssey, on display from October through January. The exhibit consists of beautiful photos of orcas, information about their history in this area, and the survival challenges they continue to face. You will learn about what they eat, how they live, and get to understand the relationship the Southern Resident Orcas have with the greater Puget Sound. They have samples of real marine mammal pelts, teeth, and a Harbor Porpoise Skeleton on display as you explore the exhibit to further contextualize the life of an orca in these waters. There will even be themed games and prizes!

The exhibit is centered around the displays of the traveling exhibit Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home, produced by Braided River, The Seattle Times, and Studio To Be. The book “Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home” written by Lynda V. Maples, will be for sale at the Estuarium as well!

Standard admission costs apply: $8/family, $5/individuals, $3/youth (18 and under), Free with EBT. Masks are highly recommended, and COVID-19 protocols will be in effect.