Max, 5th Grader- Tilden

 Emily, 5th Grade- Tilden

 Tatyan, Kindergarten-Graham Hill

Tatyan, Kindergarten-Graham Hill

“KillerWhale Tales” Returns to the Aquarium

The series of programs will be presented April 5 through 8

Newport, Oregon – The Oregon Coast Aquarium will present “Killer Whale Tales,” a program about Orcas, to students

Orcas  (Orcinus orca) move silently through the dark waters off our coast and most Oregonians probably don’t know it.  Orcas, more commonly known as killer whales, are more often associated with Arctic waters, but scientists are taking a profound interest in the southern resident pods that live just off the Oregon coast part of the year.

For the second year, the Aquarium’s education department is working with “Killer Whale Tales,” a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that brings current research on orcas to classrooms throughout the Pacific Northwest. The program combines storytelling with science activities that challenge students’ critical thinking skills and focuses on conservation of southern resident killer whales.

“Killer Whale Tales” will provide programs for both schools and the public:

Killer Whale Tales School Days, Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6: Public and private schools and home school programs are invited to attend either a morning or afternoon program, at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. The program is free with the price of regular admission.  Due to limited seating for school groups, advanced reservations are required by calling (541) 867-3474 ext. 5301, Monday through Friday. Lincoln County schools interested in hosting the program at their schools can contact Killer Whale Tales directly at 206-932-6722.

Killer Whale Tales Public Days, Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8: Presentations will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and lasts one hour. No pre-registration required, but seating will be on a first come, first served basis. The program is free with the price of regular admission.

About The Southern Resident Orcas

Intelligent, social and surprisingly long-lived (the matriarch of one of Oregon’s resident pods is over 100 years old), Orcas have fascinated us for centuries. In many ways, humans see themselves reflected back in this species, from the Orca’s complex communication system to the loyalty they show for their family members. The Southern Resident Orcas are divided into three pods– J, K and L. These groups spend May through October around the San Juan Islands and southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The rest of the year they largely disappear… and researchers aren’t exactly sure where they go although it is suspected that they may be in Oregon coastal waters.

Part of the ongoing conservation efforts include tracking the pods, a process that utilizes sophisticated underwater listening devices (hydrophones) that pick up and record Orca “song.” If scientists can better understand the migration patterns of these whales, we might be more successful at preserving and even bolstering their numbers.

The Southern Resident Killer Whales are imperiled, listed as “endangered” in both Canada and the United States. The program, “Killer Whale Tales,” offers visitors the chance to learn more about these amazing animals, including how to take an active role in their protection and recovery.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregon’s unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean conservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. For more information, visit the Aquarium’s Web site at www.aquarium.org or call (541) 867-FISH.

On behalf of all of us at Killer Whale Tales, we would like to thank everyone who made our 11th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Benefit Auction a rousing success.  Thanks to their generous contributions, we raised nearly $13,000 for the program which ensures that nearly 3000 students are guaranteed of getting our top flight program delivered to them at no cost to the school.

A very spirited celebration of orcas and education…

Please join us for Killer Whale Tales 11^th Anniversary Gala Celebration Dinner & Benefit Auction on Saturday, November 12^th 2011 at the beautiful Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle.

With your help, Killer Whale Tales has engaged and inspired over 50,000 children, their families, and communities to make a real difference in their world. Come celebrate protecting Puget Sound’s orcas, their habitat, and 11 years of dedication to giving future generations hope and knowledge to make a real difference in the world!

This year’s theme is Smells Like Orca Spirit.  That’s right!  In honor of our Seattle roots we’re treating event goers to a tasty seasonal Northwest-inspired dinner, local beers and wines, and fantastic entertainment.  We’re also delighted to feature Tucker, Seattle’s very own orca-poop-sniffing dog, as our keynote speaker* who uses his keen sense of smell to help scientists learn more about Orcas.  See? It really DOES smell like orca spirit!

*Full disclosure: Tucker will not actually doing the talking, instead it will be his handler Elizabeth Seely from Conservation Canines and killer whale researcher Debbie Giles. You can read more here about Liz, Giles, and Tucker and the amazing work they do.

Tucker WILL be at the Gala and is excited to meet other orca enthusiasts.   So please plan to join us, do some good, and have a lot of fun!

Ticket Information

Tickets on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets | Advance ticket purchase required | 21 and over only

Single tickets $50   | Table for eight at the event $375

Can’t attend but want to support Killer Whale Tales? Click here to donate on-line.

Event Information

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.   Beer and Wine, Hors d’ Oeuvres, Accordion Serenade, and Silent Auction

7:00 – 9:15 p.m.    Dinner, Program, and Live Auction

EVENT FEATURES

• Presentation and demonstration by ‘Tucker,’ Seattle’s famous Orca-poop-sniffing canine, and his handler Elizabeth Seely from Conservation Canines and killer whale researcher Debbie Giles
• Bid on exciting getaways, unique outdoor adventures and gear, fine wines, and more during our silent and live auctions
• Delicious Northwest-inspired seasonal dinner catered by JustFood, Inc.
• Unlimited local beer and regional wines
• Entertainment by Hugh Sutton master accordion player
• Explore the Duwamish Longhouse exhibits, full of rich, cultural history of the Duwamish Tribe

LOCATION

Duwamish Longhouse | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW Seattle, WA  98106 | www.duwamishtribe.org

The Longhouse is situated on the west side of Marginal Way SW at SW Alaska Street. Parking is available at the Longhouse and across street. Please carpool if possible.

This summer we will be updating all of our classroom curriculum and activities with new photos video and audio.  We will also be re-evaluating and streamlining our registration process, card distribution…heck, we are even looking at our letterhead!

So check back again, as we will be posting new sound and stories from the Salish Sea.

That said…. registration is currently open for the 2011-2012 school year!

As part of the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s educational efforts to raise awareness about these amazing marine mammals, we are pleased to host “Killer Whale Tales” on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12, 2011. This program combines storytelling with science activities that challenge children to take the conservation of our resident Orcas into their own hands.

Pre-registration for “Killer Whale Tales” is required. The program is free with the regular price of admission. (Due to a generous donation, Lincoln County Public School children can attend the program on February 11 at no cost! Teachers should call soon as space is limited.) Regular admission prices apply to all others.

Call 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301 Monday thru Friday between 9am and 5pm to register.

September 16, 2010

Killer Whale Tales 10^th Anniversary Celebration & Benefit Auction

The Seattle Aquarium

It was an amazing night! Nearly 200 orca-enthused friends joined us to celebrate our first 10 years. The generous donations that came splashing in totaling nearly $21,000 will directly support the essential curriculum development, outreach, and talented people who ensure that Killer Whale Tales reaches 10,000 students each year across the Pacific Northwest.

As we swim into the future, we are thrilled and inspired by the support shown by our community. Tomorrow will be better for Puget Sound’s children and Southern Resident Orcas because of your support!

Thank you!

Golden Orcas

Dano Beal     Beth Blum     Kelly Cash     Chris & Yuri Brockett     Matt Dressler

Max Fedchenko     Jennifer Ferdinand     John Floberg     Charisse & John Flynn

Laurie Gogic     Nina Hadley & Peter Benarcik     Nick & Jenna Hall     Molly Ingraham

The Kalmus Family     Greg Larson     Laura Larson     Laura Lasworth     Elizabeth Raines

Alyse Schrecongost & Ben Gilmer     Christopher Smith & Ann Reckner     Jen Steele & John Hoekstra

Auction Item Sponsors – Companies

Amazon.com

Bedrock Industries

Bonneville Seattle/710 ESPN

Book-It Repertory Theater

Ben Gilmer & The Sidearms

Breger Flowers

Cascade Designs

FivePly Design

Great Harvest Bread Company

Horse Smarts & Exacta Designs

Kirchoff Fitness

Looming Moon

KMTT 103.7 The Mountain Nau

Noted Occasions Graphic Design

Orca Network

Outdoor Research

REI

Rhythms Centripetal Dance Force

Salmon Bay Paddle

Seaglass by Kim

The Seattle Aquarium

Somanda Bodyworks

The Summit at Snoqualmie

Trader Joes

Vertical World Seattle

The Whale Museum

Wizards of the Coast

Woodland Park Zoo

Auction Item Sponsors – Individuals

Daniel Benarcik     Sandy Buckley     Celeste Donahoe     Andrea DosSantos     Ben Gilmer

Kailey Genther     Laron Glover     Uko Gorter     Nina Hadley     Laura Henion

Jeff Hogan     Mike Hogan     Dina Innominato     Erica Keich     Eric Knowles

Kari Koski     Annie Lareau     Darcie Larson     Katie MacAlister     Jim Martin

Pam Martin     Doug McCutchen     Jenny Mears     Owen & Jenny Mesdag

Chris Munford     Brooke Nelson     Erin Playstead     Teresa Reed     Shelly Shelley

Kimberly Stewart     Art Wait     Shirley Wait

2010 Killer Whale Tales Board of Trustees

Candice Emmons     Kailey Genther     Nina Hadley, Chair

Jeff Hogan, Executive Director     Eric Hess     Ted Kalmus, Treasurer

Darcie Larson     Pam Martin     Jenny Mears, Secretary

Seattle Aquarium Volunteers

Katie Hart     Nicole Killebrew     Tiffany Ng     April Terrell     Jenn Whitsett

Steff Zimsen

KWT Volunteers

Shawn LeValley     Libby Whiting     Jim Martin, photos     Greg Larson

Event Production and Support

The Seattle Aquarium     Tyler Urbigkit & The Aquarium Café, catering     FivePly Design, graphic design

Bonneville Seattle, PSA     Metropolitan Market

Oh—to be a ten year old in 2010, when your imagination and dreams come to life in the auditorium of your very own Elementary School. Yesterday that dream became a reality for the children of Friday Harbor when Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales, introduced our youngest stewards to his vision that began many years ago.

It’s been 35 years since I stepped foot in an Elementary School. Since my “kids” are labrador retrievers I have not had much opportunity to revisit my past nor did I have many expectations for the experience. However, upon entering the “kid friendly zone” at 8:30am, the memories washed over me as I was greeted by the morning announcements over the PA system and the principle waiting at the door. My inner child was transported back to a small homeroom class, hand over heart, reciting the pledge of allegiance- but the adult in me was quite aware of the staring (albeit smiling) principle across the hallway. Funny how your triggers amass when least expected.

I walked over to the smiling authority figure and asked for direction to the gymnasium- my destination for the next hour or so. I was here to take part in my educational experience of the day- Killer Whale Tales 101, courtesy of Jeff Hogan, friend and school teacher extraordinaire. I arrived just in time for a quick chat with the main man, took my seat and watched as the cutest procession of kindergartners to sixth graders arrived, taking their seats in rows and chatting happily as their day began. (Just in case you were wondering- elementary school gymnasiums have not changed much at all.) I smiled just watching the expectation on their faces.

Continued at:  http://fridayharborhappenings.blogspot.com/

Jeff will be spending the summer working closely with the Soundwatch Boater education program (www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html), as well as collecting new photos, video and acoustic recordings for the upcoming school year presentations.  In addition he will be working on a new hour long presentation, tentatively entitled J1: A Killer Biography, which will follow J Pods biggest and oldest male from the time of his birth until today.  The new program which is designed for older students, and returning schools will take a a look at the world from the whales point of view, remarking how things have changed in regards to their relationship with their world and the rapid changes their neighbors have made.  Done of course in the style of all our previous program offerings.

It looks to be a busy summer and we can’t wait to share what we learn during the 2010-2011 school year!

If you plan on coming to San Juan in the summer, give us an e-mail and we would be glad to meet you at the beach…