Resident Connections
Discover the incredible world of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. A unique, endangered population of killer whales living in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. These whales aren’t just individuals, they’re part of a tightly connected family, with relationships spanning generations.
Resident Connections brings those connections to life.
Explore the interactive whale network graph to see how each whale is linked, by family, pod, and history.
Why the Southern Residents Matter?
The Southern Residents aren't just a group of whales, they’re a family. Organized into three pods, J-Pod, K-Pod, and L-Pod, these killer whales have unique cultures, dialects, and social structures passed down through generations.
They rely on one another for survival, and they rely on us to protect the environment they call home. With threats like declining salmon populations, ocean noise, and pollution pushing them to the brink, understanding their world has never been more urgent.
What You'll Discover Here
Whether you're a longtime killer whale enthusiast, a student, or just curious, Resident Connections is your hub for exploring the Southern Residents.
Meet the Whales
Get to know individual whales by name. Explore their family histories, birth years, and the special roles they play in their pods.
The Pod Network
Visualize the deep social bonds between whales. Our interactive graph lets you explore how whales are connected, by bloodlines, pods, and shared history.
Threats & Conservation
Learn what challenges these whales face and the ongoing work happening to protect them. Find out how you can be part of the solution.