Topic: Animals

J50 Presumed Dead

Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:45 pm, by

“The message brought by J50, and by J35 and her dead calf a few weeks ago, is that the SRKW are running out of reproductive capacity and extinction of this population is looming, while the humans convene task forces and conference calls that result in nothing, or worse than nothing, diverting attention and resources from  Continue Reading

Save Our Shorelines

Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:49 am, by

Here’s a note from Safe Shippers… Proudly, our San Juan County Council Members recently joined their Canadian counterparts, the Islands Trust Council, in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project, once and for all. As Safe Shippers well know, if approved, this project would increase tanker traffic by 700%  Continue Reading

Dinner Party at the Whale Museum

Written on September 12, 2018 at 5:46 am, by

The Whale Museum invites everyone to the first annual event, “The Dinner Party,” an elegant fundraiser and auction on Friday, September 14, 6:00 pm, at Brickworks. Proceeds benefit the museum’s mission of promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.  The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on September 10, 2018 at 6:10 am, by

Buenos Dias, Amigos and Amigas.  I am Buddah, a kitten of many amazing qualities.  I love to jump, play, cuddle, pounce, wrestle, purr, nuzzle, run, hunt the red dot, climb pants, and take siestas, but not necessarily in that order.  I am looking for you….and hoping that you are looking for me!  I’m here at  Continue Reading

The Wild Side: Knock on Wood–All About Woodpeckers

Written on September 9, 2018 at 6:20 am, by

What types of woodpeckers might you see on the San Juan Islands?   How can you tell if they are living in your woodland? Join Shona Aitken, Education Coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center to find out more about these fascinating birds and their important role in our local forests.   Refreshments are courtesy  Continue Reading

River Otters in a Land Without Rivers

Written on September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am, by

Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals.  However, across both coasts of North America, river otters  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on September 3, 2018 at 12:47 pm, by

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Look at me! I’m Timbo and I’m almost 15 years old! You should see the tricks I’ve learned since I arrived here at your animal shelter! I can make toys squeak, chase other dogs in the dog yard and even retrieve the ball if the  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on August 27, 2018 at 5:45 am, by

Hello again. It’s just me, Vegas, reporting from the animal shelter, where I continue to wait to be discovered.   I’ve been asked to leave Kamp Kitty for certain “transgressions” against the other feline residents. Apparently not all cats enjoy my Jean-Claude Van Damme imitation. Go figure. They gave me a promotion and now I’m in  Continue Reading

Big Turnout for CWR Grand Opening

Written on August 22, 2018 at 9:03 am, by

Yesterday’s Grand Opening of the new Center for Whale Research’s Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center was attended by a good sized crowd of about 25 – 30 people. Friday Harbor Mayor Farhad Ghatan, members of the SJI Chamber of Commerce and many CWR staff & volunteers attended as well. The Center is located next  Continue Reading

Explore The Salish Sea: A Nature Guide For Kids

Written on August 15, 2018 at 9:47 am, by

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to host an evening for both kids and adults. Come out for Joe Gaydos’ lively and inter-active book talk– Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids— at the Library on Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm. This is a book that children and  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on August 13, 2018 at 5:41 am, by

Pardon me. Do you have a minute? My name is Mae West. I’m a resident of the animal shelter here. It’s lovely here in Kamp Kitty and I don’t mind waiting to meet my forever person, but what I do mind is not being connected to the internet. Things get kind of quiet here in  Continue Reading

Sasquatch: Man-Ape or Myth?

Written on August 6, 2018 at 5:43 am, by

“Sasquatch: Man-Ape or Myth?” with David George Gordon Author and Washington Humanities Speaker David George Gordon evaluates the data gathered about the legendary Northwest icon. David discusses the rules of critical thinking and explains how one can become an effective “citizen scientist” by gathering credible evidence that can be used to substantiate the Sasquatch’s status  Continue Reading

Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Summer Lecture Series

Written on August 2, 2018 at 9:36 am, by

UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon  Continue Reading

Action needed to ensure the survival of Southern Resident Orca

Written on August 1, 2018 at 5:45 am, by

In the SJ Update mailbag, we have this letter to you written by Christopher Wilson of San Juan Island… I quote Ken Balcomb’s blog found at www.whaleresearch.com/blog. I am writing out of a deep concern for the continued survival of the Southern resident orca pods that have lived much the year for millennia around the San  Continue Reading

First We Mourn; Then We Take Action

Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:55 am, by

Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juans share this with you… Our beloved and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) suffered another loss this week. The world heard the news of J35’s deceased calf and sent back words of alarm and sympathy to us here in the Salish Sea. We mourn together – Let’s  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on July 30, 2018 at 5:42 am, by

Hello there! I’m Romina, and I’m new at the animal shelter. Although I’m only about a year old, I’ve learned a lot in my life. Allow me to share some words of wisdom: Never interrupt when someone is saying nice things about you. If it itches, scratch it! Always resist the urge to get the  Continue Reading