Build a Whale is an initiative of Strawberry Island Marine Research Society, based in Clayoquot Sound UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Build a Whale is a travelling hands-on educational display that consists of a complete orca (killer whale) skeleton, that is assembled upon an ingenious and unique mounting system that both supports the bones and shows how the skeleton and internal organs of the whale are positioned.
Strawberry Island Research’s experienced natural history interpreters travel with Build a Whale, and provide an interactive program where partipants ranging from elementary school groups to natural history clubs to ElderHostel members participate in assembly of the skeleton while learning about orca biology and the ecology of their natural habitat.
Alternatively, Build a Whale can be assembled as a static display at museums and interpretive centres. Build a Whale has travelled to schools, museums and interpretive centres from Ontario to British Columbia.
Please explore this website to find out more about Build a Whale’s history and travels, and more about wild orcas. To bring Build a Whale to your community, please contact us.
Build a Whale’s upcoming appearances:
Pacific Rim Visitors Centre (Hwy 4, Tofino/Ucluelet junction) August 19th