Puget Sound Whales for Sale: The Fight to End Orca Hunting

An important book and a must read! If you have ever visited a marine park, you may assume that the animals ended up there as rescues -- sick or injured. Few understand that the marine park industry started by 'cowboys' going to Puget Sound and kidnapping young orcas using extremely devastating tactics which killed many animals in the process as well. This book is masterfully researched, brilliantly written, and takes everyone back to that time -- a dark chapter in our history. The information contained in this book is difficult to read at times due to the brutality and cruelty with which these animals were ripped away from their families. Also important is an understanding of those heroes who stepped in to stop this horrific practice. While the captures were stopped in 1976, these orcas are still endangered and having a hard time recovering due to pollution and a shortage of salmon. By understanding their past, perhaps we can all help them in the future.

I read this book as a skeptic because my friend recommended it to me. I was expecting a heart-felt, passionate plea for animals that they shouldn't be caged up for humans to view and study. Well... that's 1/2 of what I got because the other half really set up the argument for the whales intelligent, sensitive, caring creatures whose population has been highly disrupted by human capture and killing in the United States and SW Canada. I don't want to put too much effort into this review because I think there are only a few classes of reader who will pick it up:1) People who want to identify good arguments for the Save the Whales propaganda (not all propaganda is malicious)2) People who are curious what all the hoopla is about with the Save the Whales movement3) Skeptics who are looking to find holes in the logic of books/movies/stories surrounding the movement to close down Sea World and other marine animal for-profit parks.Read the book, make your own call. 4 stars because it was far more journalistic than I expected but there were still some logical falisies based on emotional exploitation.

This is a good and interesting book. In addition to addressing the impact of live captures on the now-endangered southern resident population, it follows the lives of each and every orca that was taken. Where they went, how they lived, and when they died. (of all the southern resident orcas captured during that time period, only one is still alive today) It provides a fascinating look at the aquarium and marine park industries, and even features a few orca that were purchased by the US military. Mainstream views on orcas change so quickly, so frequently, in such a short time period. This book goes into the research on wild populations, and efforts to ban orca captures, not just for the sake of wild populations but out of concern for the welfare of captive orca, ensue. It's a fascinating read for animal lovers, and great for anyone currently interested in the topic of orca captivity.

'Puget Sound Whales for Sale' is a brilliant and outstanding book. It recounts the early days of the capturing of killer whales and how this eventually brought us to where we are today. It tells the story of two seminal figures, Ted Griffin and Donald Goldsberry, who were instrumental in starting what became a notorious industry which resulted in the deaths of many killer whales and the unbelievable suffering of many more. When you read this book, you will wonder how it is possible that people around the world allowed the suffering of these animals to occur, given the descriptions in the book of how they were captured. It was nothing short of gruesome.The long history of killer whale capture and captivity is coming to and end with the announcement that Seaworld will no longer display these animals. And it is about time. This book is a wise addition to the storyline, telling us how it all began and allowing us to reflect on what we could have done to prevent what happened. It is a must read for anyone interested in this cause.

A great history of the barbaric era of Orca captures of the 60s and 70s. As one who as a teen was there to see Namu and several other Orcas dragged into Seattle in those crazy days, this book brought back many sad memories. Though in the minority at the time, I hated seeing what was being done to these wonderful animals. Yes, I was aware, somewhat, of what took place at Penn Cove and other captures, but Sandra Pollard's book really brings home the insanity of the time with facts and figures most of the public either were unaware of, or didn't care. For longtime Orca lovers, and those who only recently become aware of their brutal history, Puget Sound Whales for Sale is a must read.

This book was very factual and educational- in documenting the capturing of orcas in Washington State- by noting many case histories. It was also sad- but at the same time creating an awareness of how these magnificent marine mammals suffer- at the hands of humans who exploited them for entertainment and greed. I could not believe how these animals were mistreated or died- while undergoing inhumane and painful methods of capture. I was also very surprised that the Marine and Mammalian Protection Act- at the time- allowed "exemptions" for the captures of orcas- for Sea-world as well as other marine parks. This book is a must read for every animal lover- highly recommend!!

It's a sad but important recent history of the Orcas in the Puget Sound. The book is well written and includes some beautiful pictures.

Very well documented. Lots of good photos. I learned a lot from this book.

Loved this book. Would recommend to all orca lovers. Very educational, lots of informations, this book touches on history of orca captures in British Columbia and Washington waters. And future of southern and northern residents. Must have book.

Great book, took awhile for delievery but worth it

Great item and service