THE ORCA PROJECT

The Orca Project: In 2002, the body of a female killer whale was found stranded on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.  Just offshore, a healthy, young male hovered close by, refusing gentle attempts to guide him into safer deep water. Although the male orca was saved, it was soon learned that the female's body carried one of the highest loads of toxic chemicals ever recorded in a marine mammal.

Local children who learned about her story gave her the name, "Hope."

The Orca Project was established to raise awareness of these remarkable animals, the threats they face, and things we can do to help them survive. 

Be sure to visit our new exhibit, Learning from Orcas—the Story of Hope

Orca Stranding
Learn the dramatic details of the 2002 stranding -- and its significance to us today.

Preparing the Skeleton
Find out how volunteers and staff prepared the skeleton and cast new teeth for display.

Residents and Transients
Compare the two groups of commonly seen orcas – their food, communication and hunting styles.

Skeleton Articulation
Watch PTMSC staff and volunteers assembling Hope's skeleton, step by exciting step.

Orca Bone Atlas
Examine digital scans of every bone in Hope's body, using the first ever online Orca Bone Atlas.

Orca Science Class
Bring your K-12 students and youth groups for a special program on orca communities.

Contaminants in Orcas
Learn about chemicals that today's orcas exposed are exposed to – and where they are coming from.

Listen to Orcas
PTMSC and other OrcaSound hydrophone stations are recording orca sounds underwater. Listen in!

Take Action to Help Orcas
Find out how you can get involved in projects that are helping Pacific Northwest orcas survive.