Of Orcas and Men

April 15, 2015

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. VERDICT This title will appeal to all who are interested in natural history, the humane, the sea, and wildlife shows.--Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2015
A champion for orcas convincingly spells out the threats to their survival, their misery in captivity, and what scientists can learn by studying them. At the outset of this compelling book, Seattle-based journalist Neiwert (The Eliminationists: How Hate Talk Radicalized the American Right, 2009, etc.) plainly states, "captivity has been a catastrophe for most killer whales taken from the wild." Unfortunately, he writes, "you will never, ever hear about the endangered population of killer whales" at the marine parks where they are doggedly trained to perform acrobatic stunts. (Readers might be shocked to learn just how popular these destinations are: in 2012, marine parks such as SeaWorld drew more visitors than attendance at Major League Baseball, NFL, and NBA games combined.) The author's main focuses are the ethical concerns about orca captivity and breeding, but he also emphasizes the immense value of scientific research. Killer whales' value largely derives from the fact that they "have been the supreme creature in the ocean for about six million years"; these big-brained marine mammals are "the oceanic counterpart to humans." Neiwert adroitly weaves several intriguing Native American legends that honor the whales' power and the natural world into his discussion of the critical role of modern evolutionary science. He probes the difficulties in discovering "just how intelligent" the orcas are and highlights many traits worthy of extensive study, including their communication methods and socialization among families and pods. This narrative is perhaps a bit long but accessible and persuasive. The author authoritatively presents his facts and will likely inspire readers to share what they've learned from his call to action to ensure the orcas' survival. His tone isn't alarmist or strident, but his message is urgent. A wide-ranging, interesting book that should be required reading for school-aged environmentalists.

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 15, 2015
Profoundly humbling experiences are good for the soul. In the first chapter of this wonderful rumination on killer whales and humans, journalist and author Neiwert (And Hell Followed with Her, 2013) describes an encounter between a pod of orcas and the kayaking author. As he says, he was at the mercy of the whales mercy in the sense that the whales were benign and harmless. As Neiwert examines killer whales in folklore, whaling history, science, and their infamous captivity in marine parks, we see the changing public perception of the oceans' apex predator. Oddly enough, it is the marine parks that changed us the mostseeing captive orcas performing at SeaWorld, Marineland, and their ilk changed the whales from fearsome oceanic demons to Shamu, the friendly big dolphin. As Neiwert discusses orca intelligence, social behavior, and the species' different cultures (measured by diet, communication, and behavior), the reader gradually discovers that these whales become persons, albeit persons who live in an alien environment. Highly readable, Neiwert's ode to Orcinus orca will not fail to create new killer-whale fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)