Issue 5 -- LAND, SEA, & AIR MAIL

January 2001

Twice hunted to near extinction, the eastern North Pacific population of gray whales has bounced back. These whales now number 24,000 individuals, matching prewhaling numbers. Learn the fascinating story of their life history, migration, and current status in this month’s LAND, SEA, & AIR MAIL.

This month’s classroom activities involve grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12. In addition, there is background information on baleen whales in general, on gray whales specifically, and on J.J., the orphaned California gray whale who stayed at SeaWorld San Diego from January 1997 to March 1998.

Cool School

See what students at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, did to improve their local coastal habitat. After constructing and placing handmade "reef balls," they created the the Charles H. Kirbo Memorial Reef, a first-of-its-kind educational research reef off the coast of Jacksonville. Check it out!

Teaching about the environment is not always easy. Do you know a teacher who’s figured out a unique way to inspire students, communicate concepts, or encourage exploration? What about a school that has dedicated itself to a project? We want to hear about them.

Julie's Journal
Catch up with Julie Scardina, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, who traveled to Laguna San Ignacio to get a first-hand look at gray whales.

Conservation Partners: CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
Working to preserve biological diversity, Conservation International targets biological "hotspots"¾areas distinguished by exceptional numbers of species and the imminent threat of destruction. This field-based, nonprofit membership organization protects tropical rainforests and other important ecosystems like wetlands, deserts, and marine ecosystems. Take a look at their newest expedition to the Caura River Basin in Venezuela.

Have You Seen This?

There are many places along the western coast of North America to see gray whales. Search Google.com or Lycos.com using keyword "gray whale watching trips" for a company or organization that might satisfy your desire to see gray whales.

Two companies (among others), Searcher Natural History Tours and American Cetacean Society Baja Whale Adventures travel to Baja California, Mexico, to see mother and baby gray whales.

And as long as you’re out traveling, check out the research opportunities provided by UC Davis’ and NOAA’s programs for teachers.

Go Environ-mental!

Now is the season to watch gray whales as they migrate along the western coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California. There are many places that offer whale watch cruises, and some areas where you can watch the whales go by from land. Check out the current guidelines on whale watching and how you, where ever you live, can contribute to the continuing health of gray whales.

COMING NEXT MONTH

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. February’s LAND, SEA & AIR MAIL takes a look at SeaWorld and Busch Garden’s successful breeding programs... from endangered Humboldt penguins to the majestic reticulated giraffe.

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
http://www.seaworld.org/ / http://www.buschgardens.org/