Superpod II

Killer Whales in the Wild Versus in Captivity - 

Meet the experts and participate in the discussion.

Saturday July 21st, 2012

Friday Harbor, Wa

For the second time in just over one year a diverse collection of killer whale (orca) experts & former trainers will congregate and share information regarding orca populations, including wild and captive animals.  Superpod (SP) events are held during July in conjunction with the Southern Resident orcas which are swimming around San Juan Island chasing Chinook salmon. The combination of J, K, and L pods together is called a "superpod."

Superpod II is a face-to-face gathering of 3-4 dozen experts/enthusiasts in an all day event that will include presentations, movies, a book signing by author David Kirby of the soon to be released "Death at SeaWorld", and a benefit showing of the documentary film "The Whale".

These free public events will be held on Saturday, July 21st 2012 at Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Wa.  Drinks will be available for purchase. Some events have a separate sign-up (please see below).

Among the scientists who will be in attendance are Ken Balcomb, director of the Center for Whale Research, Dr Ingrid Visser, lead scientist and founder of the Orca Research Trust, in New Zealand, andDr. Naomi Rose, senior scientist for Human Society International (HSI). Naomi oversees HSI campaigns to protect wild and captive marine mammals and is a member of the International Whaling Commission’s Scientific Committee. Dr. Rose is also the lead protagonist in David Kirby's much anticipated scientific thriller called Death at SeaWorld.

Tentative schedule for public events Saturday, July 21st:

10:00 a.m. Attorney Steve Wise speak about the Nonhuman Rights Project. The "NHRP" is devoted to gaining rights for animals who have no voice.

"The Nonhuman Rights Project argues that some nonhuman animals should have the capacity to possess common law rights. What is the common law and why do we take that approach as opposed to using federal laws, which only provide for minimal protection of certain animals? ".

Noon to 2:30 p.m.  Brown bag lunch and films, presented by Cara Sands of Friends of the Dolphins. Two films are scheduled which show the capture process of wild dolphins and whales, and which explore the consequences of captivity; "The Cove" and "A Fall From Freedom".

3 p.m.  Young activist Ella Van Cleave, who recently gave a presentation at the esteemed "Ted Talks," will speak on the powerful youth movement.

3:30 p.m. Legal counsol to PETA, Jeff Kerr, will speak on recent legal challenges.

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5:00 p.m.  Book signing of "Death at SeaWorld" by author David Kirby, plus panel discussion with Humane Society International marine mammal expert Dr. Naomi Rose and 3 former SeaWorld orca trainers; Carol Ray, Jeffrey Ventre & Samantha Berg. (Please sign up for this event here).

We hope to have at least one live "call in" Twitter event during David Kirby's book signing. Our understanding is that two documentary film crews will be on island capturing parts of Superpod II. So look for at least one film in 2013...

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7:30 p.m. A benefit showing of "The Whale" for the Center for Whale Research.  Filmmakers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit will present their heartwarming film, and signed posters will be available for purchase.  All donations and proceeds from sales at the film showing go exclusively to support the Center for Whale Research in their continued efforts to save the endangered population of Southern Resident orcas.  (Please sign up for this event here).