Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us

Orcas, known to most, incorrectly, as killer whales are actually a large, dramatic dolphin species. Neiwert informs us that their attacks on humans are limited to aquarium staff, such as those at SeaWorld. The orcas' presence in these unnatural surroundings, not entirely a negative issue, receives much discussion here, as does the related film Free Willy. Protests against the animals' captivity, analogous to the discourse on the use of elephants in circuses, gets full attention here, as does orcas' important place in the culture and folklore of peoples in places such as the Pacific Northwest, Newfoundland, New Zealand, and Siberia. The author shows how these artisanal peoples hold these mammals in esteem and affection in contrast to the prevailing, misleading image of them in most Western cultures today. This fine book also details orcas' complex vocalizations, intelligence, and behavior. The various populations throughout the world, comprising several species, are described. Neiwert, an investigative journalist with much experience—20 years worth—with orcas in the greater Seattle area, has done his research, providing solid chapter notes, a bibliography, and networking with ranking authorities.