November | 2014 | blog seattlepi com/candacewhiting/

Wild Orca is a 501(3)(c) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax deductible.

Summary

Kenmore Air seaplanes are seen by thousands of people on a daily basis. We want to transform a 1950’s deHavilland Otter seaplane into a flying ambassador for wild orcas.
We will use this platform to:

Inspire conversations about endangered killer whales,
Distribute information about local orca populations,
Educate people about what they can do to help protect the species,
Educate people how they can support long-term orca research and conservation efforts.

We need your help to fund this project.

What We Need & What You Get

The $14,500 needed will cover the costs associated with:

The application of an original custom orca paint scheme,
The production of educational booklets.

In return for your generous donation, you will receive one of the attractive gifts offered here.

The Impact

This awareness campaign will educate the public about the threats facing endangered killer whales, and the steps people can take to minimize their own impact on the eco-system and the survival of wild orcas by:

Aiding in the recovery of chinook salmon,
Reducing toxins in the ocean,
Reducing marine noise pollution and supporting practices to limit disturbance,
Viewing wildlife using responsible practices.

Kenmore Air

Kenmore Air is a seaplane airline located near Seattle Washington. It was founded in 1946 by Bob Munro and has been family operated and owned ever since. Flying residents, families, tourists, researchers and doctors to destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest, Kenmore Air carriers over 75,000 passengers every year. The airline has generously donated the aircraft to be transformed into a Killer Whale free of recurring charges standard of a custom sponsored livery. The Orca paint scheme will be on the airplane for 6-10 years, during this time Kenmore Air will also distribute the educational booklets on all of their aircraft and will make them available to the general public at their passenger terminals.

The Booklet

We will produce a booklet about Wild Orcas. The information will include:
An introduction to Killer Whales in the Northwest,

Factors affecting the survival of wild Killer Whales,
Changes people can make in their daily lives to help the species recover,
Ways people can get involved in Killer Whale conservation,
How toxic chemicals find their way from our homes to our waters,
Regulations and best practices for viewing marine mammals from a boat and the shore.

This booklet will be placed in the seatback pockets of every Kenmore Air seaplane for passengers to read and take home. Additionally, it will be available to the public for free at seaplane terminals, marinas, education centers, and other venues.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you are unable to contribute financially, you can still help…

Spread the word about this campaign,
Visit wildorca.org to learn about the things you can do to make a difference and reverse the trend in the dwindling population of Southern Resident Killer Whales.