Center for Whale Research · ORCA SURVEY since 1976

Your GiveBIG gift will help us continue to study and advocate for the gravely endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales for decades to come! 

With only 73 Southern Resident killer whales left, their future hangs in a fragile balance. This very special population is at grave risk of extinction - and their survival depends on our actions.

For nearly 50 years, the Center for Whale Research (CWR) has been the leading organization studying and monitoring the SRKWs in their critical habitat: the Salish Sea of the Pacific Northwest.

GiveBIG feels especially meaningful this year. The birth of several new calves reminds us both of what is at stake and what is possible. These moments give us real hope for the future of the Southern Residents.

But the future of these calves - and their families - depends on sustained efforts to understand, protect, and advocate for this fragile population. That work is only possible with your support.

The Center for Whale Research performs the annual orca census, conducts regular health assessments, promotes ecosystem recovery, and shares the story of these remarkable animals with the world. Through our research and health monitoring the CWR team is uniquely qualified to provide science-based guidance to elected officials, helping to shape conservation policies that meet the whales’ vital Salish Sea habitat needs.

Your support during this giving time is instrumental in allowing us to continue this work. 

Thanks to generous donations from anonymous donors, your GiveBIG gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 — doubling your impact!

Your financial contribution to the Center for Whale Research 

during GiveBIG 2025 is a:

• BIG GIFT to the Center for Whale Research’s RESEARCH scientists so they can continue their critically important, science-based ORCA SURVEY and Aerial Observation Study projects.
• BIG GIFT for CWR’s Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center (Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA) and WhaleResearch.com staff, who persist in our EDUCATION of thousands worldwide about the orcas and their specific, healthier habit needs.
• BIG GIFT toward the Center for Whale Research’s Pacific Northwest CONSERVATION efforts (e.g., Balcomb Big Salmon Ranch and advocating for removing the Lower Snake River dams) and healthier Chinook spawning habitat.
• BIG GIFT to CWR as we press on with our ADVOCACY for “best” policy choices concerning natural wild Chinook salmon (the Southern Resident orcas’ priority need) habitat restoration to state and federal politicians, government agencies, and the media. 

Ken Balcomb comparing identification photos of J2's right side dorsal fin and saddle patch, taken 36 years apart.

“It is critical for us to document and observe the Southern Residents for at least the lifespan of one whale, preferably longer, 150 years. Continuing ORCA SURVEY and our new research is vital to understanding the orcas’ enduring needs.”

 
— Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research Founder (1940-2022)

Please help us reach our GIVE BIG 2025 donation goal of $30,000. 

Thank you!

Your generous GIVE BIG 2025 donations will help the Center for Whale Research achieve its 2025 research, education, conservation, and advocacy goals.

Support The Center for Whale Research

The Center for Whale Research is a 501c3 non-profit organization registered in Washington State.