Originally published by the Center for Whale Research

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Please help us celebrate our 45-year milestone and continue our work with a financial gift from your heart. It means so very much.

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In this three-minute video, Ken Balcomb talks about the start of ORCA SURVEY on April 1, 1976.

“There was a myth going around that you couldn’t tell them apart. The U.S. government didn’t believe at that time that you could tell them apart. I began the study for the U.S. government under contract on April Fools’ 1976, and by Halloween 1976, we had identified everybody there. We had 70 whales, and we could tell every one of them apart. If we could do that in one year, and do it the next year and see all of the same individuals, and do it the following year, then we would see who is the new baby. We would have a population of animals that we would know completely over a life cycle. We would be able to answer questions that were of biological importance. So off we went and did it. That was 1976, and I am still doing it.”

For 45 years, the Center for Whale Research’s scientists, staff, and volunteers — with your financial support — have studied the Southern Resident and Bigg’s/Transient orcas in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, we’ve continuously advocated for the best interests of the gravely endangered Southern Residents. And we’ve poured our collective heart and soul into educating thousands and thousands of people about both orca species.

Please help us celebrate our 45-year milestone and continue our work with a financial gift from your heart. It means so very much.

Donate today at givebigwa.org/CenterForWhaleResearch.