In much of life, it is difficult to understand the present or future without understanding the history. In a time where a majority of the population sees the Orca as a friend and films like “Blackfish” cause the world to rally the cause of the now lovable cetaceans; we are faced with an unprecedented desire for the saving of these animals. Animals that people had once tried to eradicate.

Going Way Back

As early as 100 BC we can find records of the relationship between Killer Whales and humans (Pollard). These initial depictions of relationship are not the ones we know now, but Killer Whales are seen as symbols of courage and fertility; they were feared by most. They had a reputation as savage killers, and no one wanted to be anywhere in their crossfires.

In Native American society, Killer Whales play an important part as symbols as well. They were the creatures of legends and represented courage, compassion, unity and goodness.

Changing Attitudes

As we know, European influence grew in America as colonization was becoming a reality. This influence changed the attitudes toward PNW Killer Whales, just as it did to everything else. The revered creature became a monster in the eyes of culture, one that would destroy everything in its path (especially the salmon that fisherman also desperately wanted). The Killer Whale became public enemy.

In the 1960s the US military used the whales as target practice for strafing guns and placed machine guns in places populated with fish to take out traveling Killer Whales. Some started to see the capture/kill of the Killer Whale as one of the most daring and heroic tasks that could be taken on, and soon some would dare to take the task.

Frank Brocato was one of the first people recorded having captured a live Killer Whale. He wanted to obtain a Killer Whale for his park, “Mainland.” He captured a female Orca that died three days after arriving at his park. This was the beginnings of whale capture in the Pacific. Moby Doll was the first whale to be taken from the PNW, and following that capture would be many more.

Wiping Out a Population

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Capture is a huge part of what wiped out the whale population in the Pacific Northwest. Up until more recent activist efforts, no one seemed to want to stop the captures. Orcas threatened the fish industry of the PNW (and still potentially could). Orca15Parks seemed the humane way to keep the whales. Better than a whale hunt right? Still, many whales died in the process, and the whale hunt was still a reality until a law was passed in 1972 (Marine Mammal Protection Act). The Endangered Species Act of 1973 would also come into play for the whales.

With a depleted population, America was now starting to have a change of heart.

People and the Killer Whale Now

After years and years of trying to eradicate the species, the Orca has now found its way into the hearts of people worldwide. The PNW Orca is now on the endangered species list and seen as lovable, not a threat. Part of this is due to activist efforts, while part is due to media. Popular film and documentary alike are presenting the whale in a whole new light – a victim of our backwards way of thinking. We have “Free Willy,” “Blackfish,” “The Cove,” and many other films that fight for the lovability of marine mammals. Culture has shifted from protecting the fishing industry to protecting the predator. But, what does that shift mean for the prey?

Looking at the history, it is hard not to think about how our relationship with the Orcas is simply based on where we see the most benefit to us. In earlier times the relationship was based on a respect (when looking back to Native Americans or ancient peoples) and a reverence for what could be learned, even in a hunter and prey relationship. Not that the past is perfect, and I am not saying that we should revert to ancient practices. yet, to look at history and analyze the situation in our current mindset leads me to to this thought process: our human motive, especially in a capitalist society, is to further ourselves. When humans hunted the Orca it was because they were stealing their fish. When we captured the Orca it was because parks needed to be filled so attendance could be paid. Now we want to protect them because we see them at their most beautiful when they are free and flourishing. But, even as we serve our desire for beauty, what other parts of the world might be damaged?

If we get our whales back, what are the repercussions to salmon, the environment and those who were once their hunters?

 

Pollard, Sandra. Puget Sound Whales for Sale: The Fight to End Orca Hunting. The History Press, 2014.