BEN the Orca rescuing 14 & 15 June 1997 with Dr Ingrid N. Visser Killer whale Schwertwal

Born in New Zealand, Dr Visser remains the only researcher specializing in orca in New Zealand waters.
Her research officially began in 1992 when she embarked on her life-long dream to study the orca. Since then she has worked with orca not only around New Zealand, but also in the waters of Antarctica, Argentina and Papua New Guinea.
Dedicated to protecting the orca, Dr Visser believes in making science 'consumable' for the general public and as such she is often seen out in the community giving talks about these incredible apex predators.
For more information check out:
www.orcaresearch.org
www.whale-rescue.org
www.freemorgan.org

[@megaroo6110]

I watched a video just a couple days ago of a kayaker in New Zealand who had an encounter with a group of orca and he saw Ben. I was so happy, I thought I remember Ben from Dr. Visser's video. Im sure Dr. Visser never reads these comments, I'm sure she has her hands quite full, but I have to say that I am just in complete awe of her. There was little to nothing known about the New Zealand orca before she began researching them. She has done so much for the amazing animals and is right up there with orca greats like Ken Balcomb, Dr. Naomi Rose and Howard Garrett. I freely admit that I'm obsessed with orca, and not a little obsessed I'm completely orca crazy. I went whale watching off the coast of Washington state and didn't get to see any orca and I cried my eyes out like a little baby. I want so badly to visit Norway and swim with them, it's on my bucket list for sure! Thank you Dr. Visser , you are the orca superwoman!

[@emmarankin5438]

I wish you would have had the opportunity to see the orca! I went last summer with my Dad to the San Juan Islands and we went on a 3 day kayaking tour. It was seriously one of the best moments of my life. I'm pretty sure we saw Granny which was SO cool! Even though I'm only 14 I've been obsessed with orcas for 3-4 years now! I hope you one day get to swim with an orca and have an AMAZING experience!

[@Funksinthehouse]

Totally with you🐋

[@kathcarroll6047]

This lady was born to do this stuff thank you

[@eviannafaye5269]

I really hope Ben is still alive after all these years....his rescue was in 1997....

[@okand2960]

They can live for like 80 years, so probably unless something like a disease, or human interference killed him.

[@kaylaadlington7364]

Hey! Ben is still alive and well, he has however since been seriously injured by a propeller and now has half of his dorsal fin laying across his back

[@morganistrue]

@@okand2960 Females like 80 years. Males usually live 25 to 30 years, while in captivity most can't even reach 15 years old

[@Dolorous_Edd_]

@@kaylaadlington7364 Where did you hear the part of the propeller?

[@princessofwhales4160]

@@Dolorous_Edd_ you can follow "Orca Research Trust" on Facebook. It's the organization that Ingrid Visser founded to conserve the New Zealand orcas. Ben was stranded and rescued in 1997 and then was hit by a boat in 1998. His dorsal fin was severely injured and half of it collapsed to his left side but he survived and was alive as of 2020!

[@dawndanner6672]

I hope they can learn what Ben has learned and not what the Orcas at Sea World have learned about humans! I do not care what anyone says I know they know a hell of a lot more than we ever give them credit for. I believe 100% they were thanking her especially Ben. He knew damn well she saved him! I am not convinced that we have more empathy than they do in fact from what I have learned of them I think they have a hell of lot more! Look how they treat each other and how humans treat each other!

[@kawaiicat3005]

So true bruh

[@trishayork5982]

Just amazing ❤

[@seedblossomful]

just donated,keep on doing what you do

[@awuma]

What an inspiring story!

[@jamesbohlman4297]

Ingrid, you need a grant for heavy, specialized equipment.

[@toknowandgrow]

Wonderful video!

[@crirosa86]

I love this story!

[@canadasweetie]

Incredible!! Most majestic animal in the sea.

[@SageRosemaryTime]

Priceless. . . .What program was this from I wonder . . .?

[@charlottewebster4233]

4:00 Thanks fam... ☺

[@lewismilne9]

I remember whatching this on a DVD

[@djanepessoarosa5750]

I loved it

[@sandyjones4393]

I wish when we can talk to them that you get to talk to them first.

[@claireburroughs9025]

❤

[@scottishgodzillabigfan]

Is Ben still alive today?

[@orcawithdrip827]

Godzilla Big fan He is. Though he’s very wary of boats.

[@scottishgodzillabigfan]

Disturbed Orca that’s good news but sad is like that

[@orcawithdrip827]

Godzilla Big fan That’s because his dorsal fin got sliced up by a boat propeller.

[@scottishgodzillabigfan]

Disturbed Orca you know about orcas right?

[@orcawithdrip827]

Godzilla Big fan I’m not an expert, but I do know stuff about them.