Southern Resident Killer Whale IPA
We’re thankful to Two Beers, who donated upward of $15,000 in support of the SeaDoc Society’s collaborative work to save Southern Resident killer whales over the years. While Two Beers has shifted its focus to its sister company, Seattle Cider, and Southern Resident IPA is no longer in circulation, we’re deeply thankful for the years of care and collaboration.
The new Southern Resident IPA design puts the iconic killer whale front and center. The inspiration behind the design was L25 Ocean Sun—believed to be the oldest living Southern Resident Killer Whale, born as early as the 1920s.
ABOUT SOUTHERN RESIDENTS
Not all killer whales are the same. Some populations feed on marine mammals, others eat sharks, and others eat salmon. The salmon-eaters in the Salish Sea are called Southern Resident Killer Whales, and only 74 of them are left. They are critically endangered and could be nearing extinction if humans don’t take action.
Two Beers Brewing Co. has launched a new IPA, and they will donate a portion of every purchase of the beer to the SeaDoc Society and our work with Southern Resident Killer Whales.
SeaDoc is dedicated to saving this iconic species, from scientific efforts like the creation of individual health records for every whale to collaborative interventions on sick and dying orcas. We are currently working to better understand how fungal infections and skin diseases affect killer whales, among many other research projects. In addition to science, we educate people of all ages about the plight of the species and the measures being taken to ensure their survival.
Photo: Katy Foster, NOAA, under permit 18786
Tasting Notes:
Hops: Chinook, Simcoe, Columbus
Malts: 2-Row, Pilsner, White Wheat, Flaked Rice, Flaked Barley
Pair With: Sirloin Burger, Garlic Green Beans, Smoked Gouda
Southern Resident Killer Whale Threats
Southern Residents feed on Chinook salmon, which are endangered because of overfishing and habitat loss in the Salish Sea. That means one endangered species depends on another endangered species to survive.
They rely on special calls to communicate with their pods and to hunt salmon, but underwater boat noise makes it difficult to do so.
Toxins in the water compromises whales’ immune systems and increase likelihood of disease. Many manmade chemicals like PCBs and DDT remain stuck in the water for years, harming species all the way up the food chain, including Southern Resident Killer Whales. Mother whales even pass those toxins on to their newborn babies, compromising them from birth.
Even though scientists are working hard to save Southern Resident Killer Whales, more needs to be done! Every whale matters, and we thank Two Beers for their support of this important species.
The SeaDoc Society is a program of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. We are based on Orcas Island in Washington State.
