All posts in Cetaceans

Vincent Kelner, director of “A Taste of Whale”

Vincent Kelner—writer-director of “A Taste of Whale,” a documentary examining the “grind,” Faroe Islanders’ ritual slaughter of pilot whales, but an intricate film with a lot more on its mind than that—addresses the question that I customarily ask documentary filmmakers: What was it about this subject matter that he found so compelling he was willing to devote several years of his life to making a movie about it? Read more…

Jose Sanchez, marine biologist, ecotourism guide, expert on the “friendly whales”

Jose Sanchez—a naturalist trained in marine biology, and an expert on the so-called “friendly whales” of San Ignacio Lagoon in the Baja California region of Mexico, having led ecotourism trips there for 25 years—recalls growing up in a family that prized nature and wildlife, regularly taking outdoor outings to explore and enjoy those things. Read more…

Kitty Block, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States

Kitty Block—President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), as well as CEO of Humane Society International, HSUS’ global division—discusses getting a precocious start working in animal welfare, in that her Mom was an animal activist. Read more…

Joshua Zeman, director of “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52”

Joshua Zeman—the director of  “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the science-oriented pursuit of a whale that experts think has spent his whole life in solitude because, they believe, he’s communicating at a frequency no other whale can understand—addresses the observation that this film represents a departure from his past work, noting he makes mysteries, and “The Loneliest Whale” is surely a mystery. Read more…

pattrice jones, cofounder of LGBTQ-led VINE Sanctuary

pattrice jones —cofounder of VINE (Veganism is the Next Evolution) Sanctuary, 100-acre facility in Vermont, a self-described “LGBTQ-led farmed animal sanctuary” we wanted to spotlight as we celebrate Pride Month—outlines VINE’s history and evolution, including its initial incarnation as Eastern Shore Sanctuary, which primarily housed chickens, and was located in Maryland. Read more…