The Langley Whale Center is a project of Orca Network, based on Whidbey Island, WA. Orca Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats. Orca Network's programs include the Whale Sighting Network, Education programs, the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the project to retire L pod whale Tokitae/Lolita, from the Miami Seaquarium, and the Langley Whale Center. The Langley Whale Center gives Orca Network the opportunity to have a public presence on Whidbey Island, in the Salish Sea, and to share our excitement about the whales and marine mammals who are our neighbors. The Whale Center in Langley gives visitors and residents alike a chance to learn more about the endangered Southern Resident orcas who visit our area each fall/winter, and about the North Puget Sound Gray Whales, a small, unique population of about 10 - 12 Gray whales who feed off the waters of Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound each March - May. Along with exhibits about the Southern Resident orcas and local Gray whales, learn about the Transient orcas and other "Orca Ecotypes", the larger Gray whale population, and other cetaceans and marine mammals you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of in the Salish Sea. Specimens from Orca Network's Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding network include skulls and pelts from whales, Harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and Elephant seals, Gray whale baleen, bones, barnacles and whale lice, and a huge Blue Whale jaw bone. The Whale Center provides educational brochures and materials, a Lending Library, DVDs to watch, and a gift shop to purchase whale books, DVDs, CDs, field guides, jewelry and more. Orca Network thanks the City of Langley and the Langley Mainstreet Association for making the Langley Whale Center possible.
