SJS Naturalists Heather with Emily and Mom
San Juan Safaris takes a lot of pride in giving back to the community, and working with organizations such as the Family Umbrella Group, Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and Wounded Warrior Project. This summer, we were very much honored to host Emily and her family on a Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Our San Juan Safaris naturalist Heather wrote a guest column featured in the Journal of the San Juans about her experience with Emily and her family. Here is an excerpt from her column.
Juvenile Southern Resident Orcas
"I donât believe in coincidence. A week ago, I met the most amazing little girl named Emily who came all the way from Michigan to see our famous resident Orcas. Our captain, Mike, and Emily, and I shared in what turned out to be one of the most equally heartwarming and heart-wrenching experiences of my life.
Emily has cystic fibrosis, and at just 13 years old, life has been an uphill battle for her. Emilyâs lifelong wish was to observe Orcas in the wild. With as much time as the Southern Resident Orcas have been spending away from San Juan Island this summer, I was definitely feeling the pressure. What if the Orcas werenât around the Salish Sea while she was here?
Southern Resident Orca K21
As it turned out, the Southern Resident Orcas did come back early that morning, and Emily and I got to witness some of the most amazing behavior from Orcas I have ever seen. Â Not only were there Orcas in the area, but all 82 whales in the local population were in attendance, a phenomenon referred to as a âsuperpod.â
You can't tell me that when more than 35 Orcas surrounded our boat, (mind you the engine and prop were off and we were just floating) coming up to each get close and take a look, they didn't know what was going on. I don't believe in coincidence.
I'm convinced that Orcas are the most amazing creatures on the planet. Their intelligence and perception is second to none. The Orcas I saw tonight saw through my soul and the soul of Emily. These Orcas have a completely different level of consciousness than humans, one thatâs more understanding, compassionate, and knowing. There is just something about them that I donât think humans will ever be able to understand through their scientific studies... something magical."
Brittany Office & Reservations Manager San Juan Safaris