Orca - (Hardcover)

About the Book

The history--and future--of one of the sea's greatest mammals

Book Synopsis

"A beautifully illustrated scientific, political, and humanitarian study of the threat posed by human encroachment to an iconic species of the Pacific Northwest..." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

National Outdoor Book Award Winner in Nature and the Environment
Washington State Book Award Winner in General Nonfiction

Orca whale J35, also known as "Tahlequah," gave birth in July of 2018 in the waters off British Columbia, but her calf died soon after, leading its mother to carry her for 17 days across 1000 miles before finally releasing the calf and rejoining her pod. This extraordinary and caring behavior sparked not only worldwide sympathy, but also a revival of our awareness of the critical need to preserve orcas, the chinook salmon they feed on, and their habitat that together make up the core of Pacific Northwest identity.

In Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home journalist Lynda V. Mapes explores the natural history of the orca and the unique challenges for survival of the Southern Resident group that frequents Puget Sound. These whales are among the most urban in the world, a focus of researchers, tourists, and politicians alike. Once referred to as "blackfish" and still known as "killer whales," orcas were for generations regarded as vermin to be avoided or exterminated, then later were captured live for aquariums all over the world. With greater exposure, scientists realized how intelligent the mammal is and are learning about their matriarchal family groups, vocalizations, behavior, and different subspecies. Today only 74 Southern Resident whales are left, and they are threatened by habitat degradation, lack of chinook salmon (their primary food source), relentless growth, and climate change. Can we reverse the trend?

This special project, co-published with the Pulitzer Prize winning Seattle Times newspaper, features stunning imagery by Times photographer Steve Ringman, as well as from partner organizations including The Whale Museum, NOAA, and Center for Whale Research.

Review Quotes

[A] splendid book about the orca whale.... Beautifully designed, with a profusion of color photography and historic black and whites, this is a book that informs - and leave us with a sense of wonder.-- "National Outdoor Book Awards"

Lynda V. Mapes' "Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home" is different in that it takes the plight of the southern residents from a sad story to a very personal tragedy we all share. It's like the difference between flying over a clear-cut and walking with a friend through a forest they knew well after it has been logged.... Filled with spectacular photographs by Steve Ringman and others and detailed infographics, the book is an education that alternates wonder and heartbreak.-- "Mount Baker Experience"

From their ecology to their behavior, Orca is the ideal resource for learning about orcas and gives an honest approach to what has endangered them, including our own involvement in the plight they face.-- "Seattle Book Review"

Mapes notes in her extensive documentation of these southern resident orcas that their plight, and the plight of the diminished stocks of Chinook salmon, is our plight too.... The book also speaks in detail of the importance of the whole ecosystem in producing the salmon critical to the southern resident orcas, other wildlife and the cultures and sustenance of the people of the Pacific Northwest.--Margaret Bauman "Fishermen's News"

The timely new book by Lynda Mapes, "Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home" offers scientific grounding on perils facing our region's population of a world-renowned predator, as well as unabashed love for an oft-seen Northwest species.--Joel Connelly "Post Alley"

A beautifully illustrated scientific, political, and humanitarian study of the threat posed by human encroachment to an iconic species of the Pacific Northwest.... Mapes' vigorous, evocative writing draws readers into the intertwined story of the orcas and the chinook.-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"

A must have for anyone with an interest in Puget Sound's Orcas!-- "The Birdbooker Report"

Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home focuses on the southern resident orcas. It is truly beautiful.--Patricia Murphy "KUOW Seattle Now"