How to Adopt an Orca Whale

The Orca whale, also known as the killer whale, is not an endangered species. At 15 to 25 feet, the largest member of the dolphin family can be found in all of the world's oceans. However, these mammals, with distinctive black backs and white crests, are under siege because of pollution, overfishing, whaling and other factors. Educational, research and conservation programs protect the orca whale by issuing whale adoptions. This popular method of advocacy, also known as whale gifts, allows a donor to sponsor a particular whale by giving money to a chosen organization. In return, the agency uses the money to protect the whales, and it sends information to the donor about the progress of the killer whales and their families.

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access

Instructions

How to Adopt an Orca Whale

1. Find a program. There are several programs that offer adopt-a-whale options for Orca whale lovers. Find a whale gift program that fits the donor’s needs by considering factors such as what the donations fund, and what the donor receives as part of the adoption package. Prices range drastically, and depend on the organization and if the adoption is on behalf of an individual, family or classroom. The fee covers research and care for the selected killer whale.

2. Select an orca whale. Killer whales are identified by their shape and coloring, and travel in pods that are tracked by researchers. Once a whale is selected and an adoption takes place, the donor will receive some or all of the following as part of the whale gift: information; photos of the whales; an adoption certificate; genealogy of the killer whale pod; status updates on the mammal and literature on the species.

3. Enroll for the whale gifts. One can adopt an Orca whale by mail, phone or online by filling out a form and submitting payment, most commonly by credit card or check. If purchasing the killer whale donation on behalf of another, the recipient receives a letter explaining this. Whales are adopted as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, thank-yous, teachers and more. Online-based whale adoptions eliminate paperwork, thus helping the environment.

4. Watch the mailbox for whale gifts. Orca whale adoption materials usually arrive within two weeks from when the order is submitted. Pay attention when registering to determine when exactly the package is to arrive. Contact the program if the whale adoption package doesn’t arrive within the promised time.

5. Re-enroll Orca whale adoptions after they expire. Whale gifts usually last about a year, and towards the end of this time the agency should send an enrollment slip, reminding the donor to again contribute to the cause of protecting the killer whale.

Resources

• Save the Whales is a non-profit organization founded in 1977 dedicated to educating the public about whales.
• The Whale Museum, in Olympia, Washington, researches whales, educates the public and has a hotline for whales in distress.
• World Animal Foundation’s orca adoption program.