Comox Valley Naturalists Society

Sunday, February 15, 2004
Jackie Hildering
The Power of Orca

Orcinus Orca, or killer whales, are powerful, robust creatures which also have the power and ability to teach us many lessons. Biologist and marine educator Jackie Hildering presented a perspective on the lessons learned through killer whales, entitled ‘The Power of Orca’, at the meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society on Sunday February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Filberg Seniors Lounge, 411 Anderton Ave. in Courtenay.

Hildering is currently the DFO Education Coordinator for Northern Vancouver Island, and head naturalist for Stubbs Island Whale Watching. In addition she is a board member of the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Center Society (JSKWICS) and President of the Top Island Econauts Dive Club. Her history in education includes 14 years of teaching high school biology in international schools in the Netherlands, and serving as a vice-principal and curriculum writer for the International Baccalaureate.

The stunning marine biodiversity of northern Vancouver Island drew Hildering back to BC five years ago. Her history, vision and skills as an educator drive her to affect an understanding of our “connectedness” through the marine ecosystem. Her presentation included a review of how human attitudes have changed towards the Orca, and a summary of the natural history of the populations of Orcinus orca found in BC waters. She outlined the issues for which the Orca serve as ambassadors, with emphasis on the work of Dr. Peter Ross in bioaccumulation. The paper is available as a 600 KB download.

Click on a link below to view descriptions of previous guest speakers.