Dr Ingrid N. Visser’s Orca Research Trust has the mission to protect Orca and their habitat, through conservation, education and scientific research.  Working with orca populations in various locations around the world, Dr Visser’s research has been ongoing since the 1990’s.   Striving for compassionate conservation, where the individuals matter and where their welfare is paramount, has been a core ethic of her work.  As such she has rescued stranded and entangled orca as well as advocated strongly for those orca held in captivity.  Dr Visser believes that captive orca should be moved into sanctuaries in the ocean where they will be cared for in their retirement.
Dr Visser has published more than 40 scientific papers, books and book chapters in an effort to inform and empower the public and decision-makers about these incredible animals.  These publications, along with submissions to Governments, courts and NGO’s, has helped change laws and protect critical habitats and thereby also protect orca.  To ensure that children are also inspired she has written children’s books and run educational visits for school groups.

Our goals
The orca populations around the world need our help more than ever.  The Orca Research Trust aims to better protect orca, raise awareness of the plights that they face and inspire others.  As an apex predator, this species is often misunderstood and therefore, we advocate for individuals and populations as we gather data which can be used to further our understanding of orca around the world.  Our ultimate goal is to secure the futures of these highly social and sentient beings.