Orca (Killer Whales) 2003
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Filmoption International
Directed by Pierre D’Amour
VHS, color, 52 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 04/07/2004
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyOrca (Killer Whales) is one of six segments in the “Marine Biology Series” distributed by Chip Taylor Communications and is also part of the “Walk on the Wild Side” series by Greenspace Productions. Orca chronicles a group of Earthwatch Institute volunteers as they assist in the long term studies of Drs. Kenneth C. Balcomb III and Astrid Van Ginneken of the Center for Whale Research.
This documentary uses footage of volunteers in training sessions and aboard whale watching vessels. Viewers follow the volunteers as they are introduced to the natural history and behavior of Orcas as well as the painstaking research techniques that have been used to monitor specific individuals. The State of Washington is seeking to list resident Orca populations on their endangered species list because of the continued threats of salmon decline, organochlorine pollutants, and the increased whale watching industry in and around the San Juan Islands. Specifically, the film describes threats to southern resident Orca pods J, K and L which have been corroborated by recent scientific articles indicating that both transient and resident killer whales in southern British Columbia are some of the most contaminated cetaceans in the world.
The film contains some outstanding footage of whales in their natural setting but the editing and over-use of personal interviews with volunteers may not be well received. The sometimes anthropomorphic references to whales may also diminish the value of this video for science based audiences. While not recommended for school or college audiences it would be appropriate for public library collections and will be of interest to potential volunteers who can learn more about Earthwatch Institute Expeditions and research opportunities at their website.