A Moment with Nature

Ocean Rhapsody – Orca

An orca and a mighty kelp forest in murky water painted by Robert Bateman. Residing on Saltspring Island, Bateman only had to look in his backyard to be inspired for this piece...

Killer whales have a special place in the hearts and imaginations of humans. We can't help but be mesmerized by these magnificent creatures every time we see them in the wild... like on BC Ferries as I journey back and forth through Active Pass. If a pod swims by, I am captivated by the sounds and sights of the whales splashing and surfing and breaching the water. They are so graceful and beautiful in their natural habitat. If one is lucky enough to experience this, it will forever be a treasured moment in time...

But, it is important to know that their numbers are dwindling. Just as we begin to understand the natural history of British Columbia's killer whales, they face new threats from human activity. Pollution, global overfishing, and increasing boat traffic are all ongoing concerns. Sadly, B.C.'s killer whales are some of the most polluted marine mammals in the world.

They, along with their habitat, must be protected and respected if we are to forever admire the killer whale as a symbol of Canada’s wild and rugged west coast...