This story brings to light a global problem that is right under our noises, but almost invisible to our eyes. A dolphin pod-family has a very rare occurrence; twin sister calves are born. This is followed by another, even rarer occurrence, the birth of a malformed calf. Courage was born with a malformed back and tail. His birth brings first curiosity, but then ridicule, followed by bullying from others. He and his mother had to travel behind the pod, most often alone. But Courage overcomes his limitations and instead, turns them into an advantage. This is an entertaining story, where children become aware of a worsening global pollution problem, for which their generation will find solutions. The story addresses what bullying is, and what may happen as a result. It also shows how perceived limitations can become unique talents, allowing for a successful life. The story has one foot in a fanciful tale, but the other foot is firmly planted in the real world, with similar events happening in nature, in the wilds.

Drawing on their own research as well as scientific literature including evolutionary biology, animal behavior, ecology, anthropology, psychology and neuroscience, two cetacean biologists submerge themselves in the unique environment in which whales and dolphins live. --Publisher's description.

In Listening to Whales, Alexandra Morton shares spellbinding stories about her career in whale and dolphin research and what she has learned from and about these magnificent mammals. In the late 1970s, while working at Marineland in California, Alexandra pioneered the recording of orca sounds by dropping a hydrophone into the tank of two killer whales. She recorded the varied language of mating, childbirth, and even grief after the birth of a stillborn calf. At the same time she made the startling observation that the whales were inventing wonderful synchronized movements, a behavior that was soon recognized as a defining characteristic of orca society. In 1984, Alexandra moved to a remote bay in British Columbia to continue her research with wild orcas. Her recordings of the whales have led her to a deeper understanding of the mystery of whale echolocation, the vocal communication that enables the mammals to find their way in the dark sea. A fascinating study of the profound communion between humans and whales, this book will open your eyes anew to the wonders of the natural world.

Dolphins have long been attributed with intelligence, but do they have souls? Self-awareness? Compassion? Scott Taylor, Director of the Cetacean Studies Institute, investigates the history, mythology, and science surrounding these creatures and emerges with a resounding yes. And not only do whales and dolphins merit our attention and respect in their own right: they are an index to what our future as a species can be. In this multi-faceted cetology compendium, Taylor surveys the portrayal of dolphins and whales in works of literature as disparate as Moby Dick and Sumerian legend, examines biologist John Lilly's research on interspecies communication, and explores the benefits of dolphin-assisted swimming therapy for disabled children and adults. Looking at the world from the perspective of one of these "souls in the sea," Taylor suggests that cetaceans are an ideal bridge between humanity and nature. Poetically written and thoughtfully illustrated with photos and drawings, Souls in the Sea is a comprehensive celebration of the biology, history, and mystique of dolphins and whales.

Mary J. Getten, a naturalist and animal communicator, relates her conversations with the Orca whales in ?J-Pod, ? a family of whales that live in the waters off Washington State. Orcas are extremely intelligent with a complex language that scientists know little about, yet Getten uses her abilities to uncover what the whales think about various topics.

Dramatic, ready-to-color renderings of over 40 seagoing and freshwater mammals, including the bottlenose dolphin, Irrawaddy dolphin, Amazon dolphin, northern bottlenose whale, sperm whale, blue whale, killer whale, and astonishing ivory tusked narwhal. Full-color illustrations on covers. Fact-filled captions.

Describes the daily lives and habits of killer whales, and examines their prospects for the future.