A History of British Columbia’s Southern Resident Killer Whales
The Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) of British Columbia are widely known for their striking beauty and for their resilience in a decades-old battle to survive. Visitors come from around the world to discover what makes these whales so unique, as apart from their stunning appearance, they have fostered generations worth of history to be shared.
J-pod, K-pod, and L-pod were driven toward critical endangerment by the 1960’s to 1970’s live capture program for aquatic theme parks. Though these whales are highly protected in our modern day, they still face decreasing salmon stocks and high toxicity in their bodies due to pollutants in the marine environment - a medium by which all continents are connected. Strong movements have emerged to protect the precious food sources and habitat of the Southern Residents, but those closely involved know that the work is only just beginning. With each passing year these whales gain the love and admiration of more and more supporters, positioning them to gain the further protection they need to outgrow their endangered status.
These three families have become figures of cultural pride and are interwoven with our history. They have patiently persisted through a long human journey- emerging strong despite our transformation through fear, distrust, exploitation, experimentation, research, activism, and now reverence that grants them the utmost respect in the wild.
In the present day, the world the Southern Resident Killer Whales live in is vastly different from that of only a few decades past. The year 2015 brought with it a true reason to rejoice, as six healthy new calves were born to this tight-knit population, now totalling eighty-three whales. Not yet the full redemption they need, but a step toward success.
Watching these whales free in their home waters is a gift. Acrobatic foraging and play behaviors lend to our fascination, as their vast intelligence and sensory capabilities keep them one step ahead of our research. A quick camera will catch the newest calves breaking the surface, still yellow with jaundice and retaining a slight wrinkle to their skin. Each Southern Resident is given a name by researchers for documentation purposes, and their unique ‘saddle-patches’ allow us to recognize them and follow their movements from ship or shore. The life stories of individual whales such as Rhapsody, Ruffles, or Taku are certain to capture hearts, staying with visitors long after they have returned home.
Read about Amanda Madro and her fascinating relationship with British Colmbia's orcas.
All photos property of Amanda Madro
Join our trip to see these orcas up close and personal. Or visit Vancouver Island to see a variety of whales, mammals and birds.