What Washingtonian doesn’t love orcas? Even if you’ve never had the good fortune to see them in the wild, these highly intelligent and social animals define our region, culture and the Northwest experience.
As part of the 10th Annual Washington Orca Month, Defenders of Wildlife is co-hosting an event that highlights one very real challenge that Southern Resident orcas face. Join us for a reception and panel presentation that explores an invisible threat to these orcas and their prey, Chinook salmon: toxic pollutants.
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
Reception: 6:30pm
Program: 7:30–9:30pm
Woodland Park Zoo Auditorium
South Entrance: 750 N. 50th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
Learn how toxic pollution is harming Southern Resident orcas and their prey. You’ll hear from experts who study the impacts that toxins have on orcas and salmon at NOAA Fisheries and the University of Washington, and then you’ll hear from select organizations that are working hard to clean up the Puget Sound.
Numbering just 83 in the wild, the Southern Resident orca is one of the most highly endangered animals in the world! And a lack of food is causing a lot of stress for these animals. Since the lack of food means they have to use their blubber reserves for energy, toxins that are stored in the orcas’ blubber are released, which adversely impacts their health. As these toxins concentrate in a mother orca’s milk, her baby can face even more challenges!
Come early for a pre-talk reception to visit with presenting organizations and members of the Orca Salmon Alliance, and enjoy free appetizers, local beer and local wine. Tickets are $12 per person. Sign up today!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
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Elizabeth Ruther Field Conservation, NW Representative Defenders of Wildlife |



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