Orca Spirit Adventures is dedicated to helping protect and conserve the animals we watch everyday. That’s why we have adopted members of the Southern Resident Killer Whale population. This was done through the Whale Museum on San Juan Island, WA, which is affiliated with the Centre for Whale Research, the primary organization that studies this population. The money raised through the adoption program supports studies on orca acoustics, genetics and photo identification. Proceeds also go towards the Soundwatch Boater Education program. We encourage everyone to learn more about the many ways they can help protect the animals we love and the environment in which they live.

See who our naturalists chose and why below:

Amy - The Whale I Adopted: K-37 Rainshadow

I adopted Rainshadow because he's one of the more recent additions to K-pod. I hope that he continues to grow and stay healthy so he can grow up strong and one day help out in increasing the populations!

Rainshadow's Story: Rainshadow is a young male orca born in 2004. He is the fourth calf of Sequim (K-12). This spunky boy has a nephew named Tika (K-33) who is three years older than him. Rainshadow stays close to his Mom and they are often seen with podmate Comet (K-38) and his Mom Spock (K-20).

Corey - The Whale I Adopted: J-42 Echo

I adopted Echo because I have had some of my best whale watching experiences with the J-16 matriline, that Echo is a part of. I enjoy her acrobatic and playful nature.

Echo’s Story: Echo was born in 2007, and is the fourth calf of Slick (J-16) and sister to Mike (J-26), Keet (J-33), and Alki (J-36). She is a very active whale, who is often seen breaching out of the water. Echo is short for ‘echolocation’, a form of whale sonar that they use to find fish and navigate through the water.

Elizabeth - The Whale I Adopted: L-79 Skana

I chose to adopt Skana because he is always seen in very close company with his little brother Solstice (L89) and his mother Spirit (L22). The boys both have open saddle patches which makes it quite easy to identify them; moreover, that they always travel together in a rather unusual trio, two males and one female. I always enjoy watching this little family unit, I guess I am just a sucker for Mama's boys!

Skana’s Story: Skana was born in 1989 to his Mom Spirit (L-22). He has a brother named Solstice (L-89); these two brothers stick close to their Mom! Skana means ‘killer demon’ or ‘supernatural power’ in the Haida language. The Haida are a native Northwest BC coastal tribe, who also use the word skana for killer whale.

Mercedes - The Whale I Adopted: J-16 Slick

The reason I picked Slick, is because she is a good Mom. I like to see her little family when we are out on the water. I also think she is very pretty!

Slick’s Story: Slick was born in 1972. She is a fantastic mother of four offspring. Her two sons are Mike (J-26) and Keet (J-33), and her two daughters are Alki (J-36) and young Echo (J-42).

Rachael - The Whale I Adopted: K-21 Cappuccino

I wanted to adopt Cappuccino because he is the first mature male in K-pod in a very long time, holding much promise for the Southern Resident population. He has a very distinct saddlepatch, so he is easy to identify. I have a soft spot for Cappuccino and his sister Raggedy because they are the only members left in their immediate family. I love how close they are as siblings; it reminds me of my own family!

Cappuccino’s Story: Cappuccino was born in 1986, and is the only mature male in K-pod. The only living family Cappuccino has is his sister Raggedy (K-40). He is a very impressive whale to watch with his wide dorsal fin and powerful movements.