Wild Orca Joins SeaDoc (FAQs)

Why is Wild Orca joining SeaDoc? 

Since taking on the health monitoring research from the University of Washington in 2020, it became clear that for Wild Orca to operate at its full potential, we needed to expand our team. Building the team would take time, and we believed the plight of the whales was too urgent to wait. Therefore, we sought a union with an organization that shared our vision and had the expertise we needed. The SeaDoc Society was our top choice, and we were thrilled when they agreed to help us advance our mission. 

What about Giles and Eba?

Dr. Giles will continue her research as she transitions to her new role with SeaDoc. Eba will remain the poop sniffer-in-chief on Wild Orca’s research vessel alongside her. Health monitoring will continue through SeaDoc, and partnerships, such as with the San Diego Wildlife Alliance to undertake hormone analyses, will continue.

Giles has dedicated more time to observing the Southern Resident killer whales than most biologists in this field. Her expertise will be of great value to SeaDoc as we work together to enhance our understanding of the behaviors and long-term health of individual whales in this population and develop strategies to prevent extinction.

What about the recent donation I made to Wild Orca?

Thank you so much for your incredible support of Wild Orca! SeaDoc will continue our health monitoring study, and Wild Orca will transfer our assets, including our research vessel and all donations received in 2024, to the SeaDoc Society. This action will ensure a continuation of Wild Orca's mission “to translate science into action to save the Southern Resident killer whales from extinction.”

How can I support this work? 

By donating to the SeaDoc Society, you will still play a crucial role in Wild Orca’s mission to protect the Southern Resident killer whales from extinction. Your future contributions will help fund two dedicated scientists and their teams, enhancing our understanding of the vital ecosystem services that support this endangered population. This knowledge will enable us to advocate for meaningful change on their behalf.

We are genuinely excited to continue our work through the SeaDoc Society to protect the future of this unique killer whale community.