Lpod Southern Resident Killer Whale

Killer Whale Photo Collection

Pacific northwest killer whales or orcas (transients, southern residents, northern residents) are incredible creatures! We are learning new amazing things about them all the time. Sadly, they are officially the most contaminated creatures on the planet. The US and CA governments have officially listed the southern resident population as “endangered”.

Please follow the blogs to enjoy whale watching and to find out more about what is going on, why this is important for you and how you can help. Let’s focus on positive solutions, rather than just negative impacts.

Species info;

Northern Resident Orca with Salmon

- Northern & Southern Resident killer whales are strictly fish eating orca feasting on (preferably chinook) salmon. They do not eat meat. Characteristically they have rounder dorsal fins and grey open saddle patches.

Transient Orca killing Harbour Porpoise

- Transient killer whales are strictly meat eating orcas who feast on all marine and even land animals. They do not eat fish. Characteristically they have pointier dorsal fins and white solid saddle patches.

Who is Luna?

Luna / L98 Mooyah Bay 2005

Luna (L-98, Tsuxiit), is the juvenile male killer whale from the endangered Lpod southern resident community of orcas who had been living alone and away from his pod for more than 5 years. He developed relationships with other species including humans. See my luna and dog video for more information. Luna died March 10 2006 when he was hit by a large tug boat.

I met Luna during the summer of 2003 when I was deployed to monitor his behavior around people. During that time, I took much video and photos of his predicament, calling for action and education for his unique situation. He had a profound impact on my life. The last time I saw him was in September of 2005 when the above photo was taken in Mooyah Bay.

During his life and after his death, L98 has come to mean many things to humans. His life and story teaches us to ask new questions not just about killer whales but about all life. His story is universal; Love

Luna Stewardship Collective Blog

My Luna photo collection
My Luna video playlist

Jpod Southern Resident Killer Whale Family

Between 2003 and 2007 I have documented, developed, integrated and managed an online whale watching platform for the public through blogs and free online documentation tools. From there other individuals, companies, groups and organizations are participating in this event. I started documenting in 1998 and blogging in 2000. Together we produce a massive information platform for all to enjoy and learn through. It is an amazing global community effort. This work is not about just pretty pictures, but is about the bigger picture of life.

Chantelle documenting Southern Residents