We’re excited to announce the launch of Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home, an awe-inspiring, curated interactive exhibit—now alongside the Life on the Edge habitat at the Seattle Aquarium!
Based on a book of the same name, the exhibit tells a compelling story about the power, majesty and plight of two iconic species of the Salish Sea: southern resident orcas and Chinook salmon. It features captivating stories by Seattle Times journalist Lynda V. Mapes, mesmerizing photography by Steve Ringman and others, scientific illustrations by Emily Eng, and amazing images courtesy of The Center for Whale Research, NOAA and others. It was produced by Braided River, The Seattle Times and Studio To Be.
Award-winning environment reporter Linda V. Mapes brought worldwide attention to the southern residents in 2018 with the story of Tahlequah, the orca mom who swam the Salish Sea for more than 1,000 miles and 17 days while clinging to her dead calf. (Tahlequah gave birth to another calf last year). The story of the orcas is inseparable from that of Chinook salmon—primary food source of the orcas—which are also struggling and listed as a threatened species in Puget Sound.
Come to the Aquarium to learn more about our local orcas, the salmon they depend on, and what each of us can do to protect these iconic animals and the countless others that live in the Salish Sea. While you’re here, find a limited number of copies of the book signed by Lynda Mapes available for sale in our gift shop. Book your visit today! The exhibit will run through spring 2022.
Photo: Steve Ringman-The Seattle Times