The local organization the Whale Trail that provides educational resources and opportunities to the public is sponsoring the fourth in a series of events on April 25. Orcas of the World: An overview of the diversity of Orcinus orca is a presentation by scientific illustrator Uko Gorter, who will discuss the diversity of orcas around the globe. Spectacular photos highlight the subtle (and not so subtle) difference in appearance, unique behavior, and prey preferences between the many orca populations. Some differences are so great, they may lead to a taxonomic revisions and determination of new species and/or subspecies of orca. Uko will also discuss his collaboration with with biologists Bob Pitman, John Durban, and Andy Foote to create a poster of orca ecotypes and forms.

Orcas (killer whales) are one of the most widespread mammals in the world. Like humans, they exhibit unique cultural and even morphological differences.

Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5621 California Ave SW
When: Thursday April 25, 7 - 9 (doors open 6:30)
Cost: $5 suggested donation, kids free.
--Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com
Contact:
donna@thewhaletrail.org, 206.919.5397

The event also features updates from Robin Lindsay (Seal Sitters), and Diver Laura James (tox-ick.org) and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, and photography and art from Judy Lane and Mike Russell.

About the Speaker
Uko Gorter is a scientific and natural history illustrator. He has worked with numerous scientists to depict cetaceans in accurate detail. His clients include the Seattle Aquarium, NOAA Fisheries, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada), Ranger Rick Magazine, and Journal Nature. His illustrations are featured on Whale Trail signs around the northwest. Uko is also the current president of the American Cetacean Society-Puget Sound Chapter in Seattle.

About The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail (www.thewhaletrail.org) is a series of sites around the region 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 by establishing a network of viewing sites along the whales’ trails through the Salish Sea and the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. Our goals are to: increase awareness that our marine waters are home to orcas and other species; connect visitors to orcas, other marine wildlife and their habitat; inspire stewardship and build community; promote land-based whale watching. Our over-arching goal is to ensure the southern resident orcas do not go extinct.

The Whale Trail provides simple, powerful, and long-lasting reminders to visitors and residents alike that orcas and other whales live in our waters. Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 22 million people each year. Our near-term goals are to add a site in every coastal county in Washington, and around Vancouver Island, throughout the orcas' range. Together, we will turn the tide for the whales!

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. Donna Sandstrom is the Founder and Executive Director. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered in Washington State.