N.S. sanctuary could be a new home for whales in captivity. But some aren’t convinced

N.S. sanctuary could be a new home for whales in captivity. But some aren’t convinced

The Current19:01Could Nova Scotia host a retirement home for whales? A proposed whale sanctuary in Port Hilford, N.S., hopes to offer a safe haven for whales coming out of captivity. And two orcas from a marine park in France could be its first residents.  “We owe it to them. We owe them something back because … Read more

Premiers send letter to feds demanding bail reform after homicide

Premiers send letter to feds demanding bail reform after homicide

Canada’s premiers have sent a letter to the prime minister demanding a thorough review of the bail system after the homicide of a Surrey, B.C., woman. Tori Dunn, 30, was killed in her home on June 16. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief in the Metro Vancouver suburb. The man who has been arrested … Read more

Speed limits, fishery rules aim to protect southern killer whales

Speed limits, fishery rules aim to protect southern killer whales

The federal government has announced salmon fishery closures and mandatory speed limits in areas where southern resident killer whales forage and travel in the ongoing effort to protect the endangered species. A statement from Transport Canada says the measures off Vancouver Island are aimed at protecting the whales from noise, contaminants and improving their access to prey. … Read more

Killer whales are ramming boats for fun, scientists say. A new report offers ways to protect mariners

Killer whales are ramming boats for fun, scientists say. A new report offers ways to protect mariners

Quirks and Quarks11:40Killer whales are likely ramming boats because they’re bored and having fun When Renaud de Stephanis sees killer whales surround his boat off the coast of Spain, he isn’t afraid — he’s excited because it’s a chance to get some research done. When asked how often his boats have been hit by the … Read more

B.C. orca calf’s extended family spotted near Vancouver Island

B.C. orca calf’s extended family spotted near Vancouver Island

Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. Marine scientist Jared Towers says in a social media post he was surprised to see members of the calf’s great-grandmother’s pod swimming in … Read more

Online sleuths keep trying to solve true crimes. The Baby Reindeer obsession is just the latest

Online sleuths keep trying to solve true crimes. The Baby Reindeer obsession is just the latest

Chances are you’ve heard of Baby Reindeer, even if you haven’t watched it yet. Netflix’s dark and buzzy series spent four weeks as the most popular show on the streaming service globally, and it was also the top show in Canada. The mini-series by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd centres on the main character’s harrowing experience of being relentlessly stalked by a woman, … Read more

Canada’s biggest documentary festival says it’s dying. Documentarians worry they’re next

Canada’s biggest documentary festival says it’s dying. Documentarians worry they’re next

A misunderstood and mistreated killer whale. An investigation into the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and American gun culture at large. An inconvenient truth about the future of planet Earth in the face of devastating climate change. If you go by overwhelmingly successful films like Blackfish, Bowling for Columbine and An Inconvenient Truth, it might seem like documentaries are … Read more

Chief says rescue effort for stranded orca calf four, five days away as plans ramp up

Chief says rescue effort for stranded orca calf four, five days away as plans ramp up

Plans are settling into place for an attempt to rescue a young killer whale calf stranded in a tidal lagoon near the Vancouver Island village of Zeballos within four or five days, says the area’s First Nation chief. Ehattesaht Chief Simon John has previously said the plan to remove the female orca calf from the … Read more

Nigerians still awaiting justice two years after

Nigerians still awaiting justice two years after

It has been two years since gospel music sensation Osinachi Nwachukwu died, but her loved ones and fans are still sad and wonder if justice will ever be served. The circumstances that surrounded Osinachi’s death remain unclear, with many accusations and questions unanswered. Despite the desire to hold those responsible for her death accountable, nothing … Read more

Helicopter to airlift stranded orca out of B.C. lagoon

Chief says rescue effort for stranded orca calf four, five days away as plans ramp up

Plans are now underway to airlift a stranded killer whale calf out of a remote tidal lagoon off northern Vancouver Island in an effort to reunite the young orca with its extended family. Fisheries Department and First Nations officials say the plans involve placing the two-year-old calf into a sling, lifting it out of the … Read more