The Last Sunset in the West: Britain’s Vanishing West Coast Orcas

by Natalie Sanders, Erich Hoyt (Foreword)

Britain's west coast is home to only one pod of orca, and they're heading rapidly towards extinction.

In 2014, Dr Natalie Sanders joined the crew of the HV Silurian to seek out the West Coast Community of Orca and study them before we lose them forever. In The Last Sunset in the West, she discusses them as individuals while also exploring the many issues surrounding their lives.

Her captivating account takes the reader from the Western Isles of Scotland to Vancouver Island and around the world, deep into the history of our relations with these beautiful and sentient creatures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Nature, Natural History, Scotland, Biography, Environment

254 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 2023

About the author

Having completed her PhD in marine biology, Natalie Sanders works as a marine consultant and has collaborated with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and charities in British Columbia. She lives in the southwest of England with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[... · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

When The Last Sunset in the West was first announced, I was thrilled there would be a book about the West Coast Community, especially since I was not familiar with this population. Sadly, it seems that there just isn't enough information about them to warrant a whole book, so it's chock-full of information about other orcas and marine wildlife in general. This in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing - the problem lies in the amount of recycled content and not enough original input, at least in case of the first part of the book. Those who know nothing or very little about killer whales might not notice, but those who've read even a few books about them will mostly get a "recap" of what they already know.

The book is divided into two parts: part 1 is about orcas, and part 2 is essentially a travelogue that sometimes reads more like a travel guide, with rarely a mention of killer whales. Even more oddly, part 2 starts with the author's childhood. By far, part 2 was the most uninteresting and I barely made it through - especially since I expected a book about orcas, not a travel guide.

I really wanted to like this one more than I did. The message of the book is definitely important, and more people should know about the West Coast Community and other orca populations who are either endangered or slowly swimming toward extinction. Objectively, however, this is an oddly-structured book that doesn't quite deliver what the title and the description promised.

What also bothered me, aside from the above, was Sanders claiming that J2 was over a hundred years old when this assumption was debunked years ago. I'm disappointed, because it's talked about for several pages and even arguments are built upon it. She's a marine biologist, so there's no way I can let this slide. On top of that, there are just so many repetitions it made me put the book down numerous times and even check the name of the editor so I could mentally ask him why he didn't do his job properly.

Despite the problems, The Last Sunset in the West gives a decent overview of what little is known about the West Coast Community. It would certainly be of interest to those who can't have enough of reading about orcas and want to learn about the West Coast Community. But for those who want to read just one or two books about killer whales, not about any particular population, I'd recommend other titles first, simply because they are better, whether in terms of writing (like the breathtaking Into Great Silence), unique and fresh insights (in case of Swimming with Orca), or the depth of diving into the subject (Orca: The Whale Called Killer). Among literature about orcas, The Last Sunset in the West just isn't memorable or noteworthy enough to stand out.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a bucket but have never bothered with a bucket list. If I were to have one though, seeing orcas would be fairly high up on it. I had always thought of them as exotic creatures. To find them you would have to locate them on the pacific coast of America or head to the very stormy southern ocean. Turns out we have a pod of Orca just off the coast of West Scotland.

Dr. Natalie Saunders first came across them when she joined the crew of the HV Silurian in the hope of spotting these magnificent creatures for the purposes of study. There are about 50,000 of these animals left in the oceans and they are under threat continually from man. There are more than one species of orca and each region has a particular speciality in behaviour and diet.

The west coast pod is tiny compared to some of the other pods around the world. There are only 8 individuals left now and from what scientists can gather, they don’t seem to be producing any calves. But for how much longer is one of the things that we do not know. It is most likely they will go extinct in the area in the coming years.

The book is split into two sections, the first covers detail on each of the individual orca that makes up this pod, including some that are known to have died or have not been seen for a long time. The second section is Saunders’s account and diary of her 2014 trip where she first came across them

If you want to know a bit more about the orca then this is a good place to start. It is informative and well written and full of fascinating details. I did have a few minor issues with it though. Firstly, I didn’t think it went into as much depth as I would have liked, I know some of that is because studying these is not easy and that anything learnt is a reminder that we know so little. Secondly, I felt there could have been more on what we could do with regard to helping them, consumer and political pressure can change things after all. That said, I still liked this book, and if you are intrigued about these creatures then this is a good place to start. 3.5 stars

[Bethy Swaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From being a child, orcas were always my favourite animal and held a special place in my heart.

As I grew up and moved away from my inner child, my love for orcas seemed to vanish and was almost forgotten in the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Then, whilst visiting the Isle of Mull, my friend and I decided to go into the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust information centre where I read about the native West Coast Community of orcas. I had no idea we had our own native species of orcas! I'd always assumed they were travelling from other countries far and wide. My joy was short-lived when I read the West Coast's small pod has only 2 males left and would face certain extinction.

My love for orcas has since been reignited and led me to this wonderful book. It was easy to read, not too technical and I'd highly recommend everyone reads it to give you an insight into what is happening to marine life around the world.

As humans we all need to make a conscious effort to do our bit to protect future orcas (and other marine species) from becoming extinct.

[Niru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book informative, heartfelt and engaging from one marine biologist to another; it shed light on our mysterious resident Orca population of Scotland and Ireland and their survival uncertainties. It provides a beautiful and digestible introduction to Orca ecotypes, their habitats and ranges worldwide. This a wonderful collection of Natalie's experiences and various fun facts on the different research organisations, the people involved and their work to learn more about these magnificent creatures and preserve their fragile ecosystem. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in marine mammal conservation and an eye-opening read highlighting the urgent need to protect Orca populations around the world.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

• An accessible and heart-felt introduction to the UK orca population with emphasis on the dwindling west coast community and how they compare to the rest of the world’s populations.
• Both a strength and a weakness of this book is we know so little about the west coast community. It really highlights how important it is that we find out as much as we can about our marine mammals so we can help (if we can) before it’s too late as for our west coast community. However it makes writing a book about that community difficult because there is little to write about and relies so much on speculation based upon other populations.
• It was very repetitive at times between the sections, but it did leave me excited to continue exploring the Hebrides this year and I loved the end section which listed ways the reader can get involved and help.

[Chantal Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd book, and one that I would've given two stars if not for the monumentally important subject matter.

If you want a book that'll teach you more about orcas, this one provides a reasonable introduction - although I recommend Carl Safina's 'Beyond Words' if you want to truly dive into the cognitive and emotional worlds of orcas. The first half of 'The Last Sunset in the West' summarises everything that is known about the UK's last resident West Coast orcas, and gives a potted history of human relations with orcas worldwide plus the basics of orca ecology. You can tell that Sanders has really done her research.

The second half is a diary based account of the author's experiences on a trip surveying marine wildlife around the Inner and Outer Hebrides. There are no orcas in this part, except when mentioned in relation to something else the author saw.

The fundamental weakness of the book is that we know so little, and there have been so few sightings, of the West Coast orcas - but I think the right structure and content could have made up for this. Firstly, splitting the book into an informative part and a diary part didn't work for me at all. I would have far rather had one intersperse the other. Secondly, Sanders could've taken a leaf out of the book of many other science and nature writers by featuring "on-location" interviews with various experts with something important and relevant to say about the orcas. This would have added much-needed depth and substance.

I also found the writing itself quite basic. I don't expect nature and science writers to write like they're aiming for the Booker (how tiresome that would be!) but I enjoy a modicum of lyricalness to the language, something I didn't find in this book.

So, in short - this isn't a compelling read, but it is an important one.

(With thanks to Sandstone Press and NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review)

[Annabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so interesting and really nicely written!

The structure worked really well, and I loved how she used it to go into depth about such a range of areas- from etymology, to details about specific sub-species, to the impact of various human activities on Orca populations, all while providing an amazing insight into individual orcas lives

[Rebecca Stonehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urgent and informative, this is a very personal account of Natalie Sanders life-long love of orcas, the threats they face and the steps that need to be taken to help this fascinating and compassionate apex predator.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, I learnt so much about Orcas that I did not know - like there is more than one ecotype. Tragic to read of all the things humans have done to harm them. I look forward to seeing the 27s who frequent the seas near me with increased interest and understanding.

[Maddy McInerney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but quite cringe she really loves a whale this gal

[Erin Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing exceptional, but it still provides a great insight into our only resident pod of orcas.

[Roisin Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, having read a number of other books on orcas, I found this mostly repetitious with little unique insight.

The conversation around the West Coast Community pod, it’s members and their territory is interesting, and I enjoyed the portions which did actually delve into that detail. Sadly though, it seems there just is not enough known about the West Coast Community pod to warrant a full book. In fact, very little of Last Sunset in the West actually discusses the West Coast Community pod, and it is more so a rehash of information on other more well-researched orca pods and about marine life in the Hebrides in general.

Whilst the author’s message around the slow demise of the West Coast Community pod is an important one, I do wonder if this topic would have been better as an essay focusing solely on the orcas, or perhaps even as a chapter in a wider book about marine life in the Hebrides generally.

There was also a major issue with repetition throughout this book that made me question some of the editing choices, which was disappointing.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really important book about the holy grail of British whale watching, the West Coast orcas. This was a book I received with great anticipation but one that didn't quite live up to those heights. The author packed the book with what little information was available on the doomed West Coast Community of orcas, unpicking the surprisingly few sightings made over the decades, the science behind their decline and a lot of background information on orcas, culture, conservation and the Hebrides. Much of this tried my patience as there was little new information for me to absorb, although there were a couple of standout takeaways: the AT1 Alaskan orcas, the Gulf of Mexico population crash, the fact this family have only been seen in very small pods over the years.

I sympathise with the authors challenge in this regard. I came to this book knowing a lot about both orcas and this population of them and having finally seen John Coe & Aquarius in 2022 - a lifelong dream - I thought this would help me understand them better than it did. Could there have been more? I wonder if the author could have explored some theories, why are they seen so infrequently? Why were some only known to science 10-20 years after some of the others? They must have their secrets, perhaps they use the Irish coast more than we know? Who might their nearest closest relations be? I was disappointed there wasn't information on other mammal eating orcas in the Atlantic but perhaps this information simply doesn't exist, even though I am aware of Arctic orcas who hunt beluga and Narwhal and I believe there are orcas in the Canary Islands and Biscay who have been seen hunting whales. I think the author was a little limited by the scientific method and didn't explore the layers of carefully unpicked imagination enough.

What disappointed me further was that the book was littered with mistakes and felt poorly edited, including some quite obvious errors. In the photo pages in the middle a white-beaked dolphin is listed as a harbour porpoise. When discussing the Gulf of Mexico orcas, the author explains with sound logic how they had declined drastically before the deepwater horizon oil spill. Later in the book the author casually states that oil spills caused their decline. I picked up on a dozen of these types of mistakes and given the book is primarily a scientific account, these bits of misinformation just left me a little frustrated. There was also a lot of repetition of facts, even towards the end of the book there would be sentences about how there were now likely only two orca left which was a fact grasped within the first chapter or so.

Having said all that, I don't want to be too harsh on what was a well put together book on an important subject, one the author obviously cared deeply about and backed up with solid science. She wasn't given the best hand in pulling together stories about this family of orcas and I think it would likely be a much more informative read for anyone who hasn't obsessively followed each and every sighting reported of this group over the years. And if nothing else, the selection of lovely photos in the middle are worth keeping, for there won't be many more like it and it'll soon be all we have left to remember them by. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in marine mammals or the conservation of our seas.

[Carly Lourie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't even feel compelled to really write up a full review for this. I truly think it's great that this spotlights a population of killer whales about which most people know close to nothing. However, if you've ever read a book on killer whales, or worse, like myself, are in the marine naturalist/ecotour industry and happen to have a working knowledge with which you educate the public on killer whales as a part of your job... Just go read Into Great Silence by Eva Saulitis again.

Unfortunately, the ultimate downfall of this book purely boils down to the fact that we simply don't know enough about the "West coast orcas" to really fill a full-fledged book about them a la Eric Hoyt's Orca: A whale called killer, which Sanders references as her inspiration for this project. To top that off, the rest of the book feels like filler stuffed with entry-level facts about killer whales across the globe, not usually specifically pertaining to NE Atlantic orcas, but simply casting a broad net globally on the outdated understanding of global killer whale ecotypes, no less. This means there is rarely ever a level of real meat and potatoes feel to any of the chapters.

I think it's so MONUMENTALLY vital to talk about these functionally extinct populations of specialized predator species because it gives us an idea of what is going on with our global ecosystem more broadly. I do also think that if you don't know much of anything about killer whales, this is a totally adequate entry level read, you are not likely to be confused. I do however, feel that the narrative voice here lacks a bit of the heart found in other reads from authors also discussing killer whales around the globe, like Hoyt himself, or Alexandra Morton (Listening to Whales), or Eva Saulitis (Into Great Silence), or Monika Wieland Shields (Endangered Orcas).
The above authors all have this spark in their voices within their writing; their passion. They all paint vivid pictures of WHY they are so enthusiastic about their chosen population of killer whales, and why you should be too. This book simply didn't hit that particular emotional chord with me that I think is so incredibly instrumental in getting others on board with any kind of cause.

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately by the 60% mark or so, I felt that I was slogging my way to the finish line. The only reason I've not given it a lower star rating is simply because it is easy to find books like this simply stuffed to the brim with false information, things taken out of broader context, etc. This was well researched, there simply wasn't enough material to research to make a good book.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which I listened to as an audiobook whilst on a cruise in the Hebrides and North Sea between Scotland and Iceland - what better place to read a book about the West Coast Community (WCC) of orcas than the place I was most likely to see them? It certainly made me incredibly excited at the thought of meeting these intelligent and beautiful marine mammals in the wild.

Although I sadly did not see the two remaining members of the WCC during this trip (John Coe and Aquarius - two males), I loved hearing the author's enthusiasm for orcas, and found it refreshing that she didn't try to stay scientifically objective, but gushed over her favourite animal. It was endearing, and I think made for a really effective and moving opus on these animals. I was already intrigued by orcas, but by the end of this book I was absolutely besotted! For instance, did you know that orcas are one of the only other species besides us that experiences the menopause? Orca matriarchs past their reproductive years are possibly the most pivotal members of orca pods, as they guide their families and share knowledge on language, hunting techniques, and the best places to go for food etc. In the awful years that orcas were hunted for capture for the entertainment industry (SeaWorld), orca mothers would follow the ships in which their offspring had been captured and call loudly, trying to retrieve them. Heartbreaking, what we've done to a species whose intelligence and ability to love and nurture surely rivals our own.

However, I also found this book inspirational with regard to whale conservation. For instance, it reassured me that there are ways in which we can all help reduce humanity's awful impact on whales, even if we don't live near the coast - by eating less fish, using fewer single-use plastics, and volunteering/donating to whale conservation charities.

[Neil S · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know nothing about Orca (Killer Whales) and in particular Scottish West Coast orca then this book is a good place to start. Whether you have cruised the waters of the Hebrides or are about to embark on an adventure then this book will provide good background information for you.

I have personally seen orca in Iceland and Orkney but have not been fortunate enough to spot any of the Scottish West Coast pod though, despite numerous boat journeys across the Hebrides. This is the first book I have read on orca so much of the content was refreshingly new to me.

It was with great interest that I picked up this book. A book which truly is a book of three parts. The story of the individual members of the West Coast pod; general information about orca, the various worldwide pods, and specific knowledge gleaned from long running studies in the Pacific NW; plus the narrative of a journey through the Hebrides on the search for members of the pod.

Whilst the latter travelogue was of average interest, the most interesting section was undoubtedly that describing the various "types" of orca including descriptions of their location, behaviours and feeding pattern and consequently their resultant isolation and inbreeding. Fascinating to think that our Scottish pod might be descended from Antarctic orca but worrying that their isolation will sadly ultimately lead to their demise. The section dealing with the individual members of the west coast community whilst telling the story of how each orca was named is disappointingly light, but this is due to the lack of evidence rather than a fault of the author. We just don't know a great deal about them.

I found the book to provide a good introduction to Scottish orcas and well worth a read before, during or after an whale spotting adventure in the Hebrides

[Debbie Maughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book giving an amazing insight into the lives of the intelligent Orca Whales, focusing on the Scottish West Coast Community Pod of Orcas.
I found it very interesting to read about their incredibly strong family ties, far exceeding humans in some instances. They have amazing memories and are emotionally intelligent with strong family ties, it must be heartbreaking for an Orca to see family captured or killed.
Interesting to get to know some facts about the Orca, they have good eyesight in & out of water, can be chatterboxes amongst their group. Different populations vary from one group to another, they are genetically and socially different, eat different food, hunt differently, are different sizes and some groups are more vocal than others.
The oldest Orca was recorded to live to about 106 years, leading a pod until she disappeared, presumed dead.
The book explains how historical action and pollution have sadly impacted on the decline of Orca numbers.
I will definitely recommend this book to friends that are interested in broadening their knowledge of the Scottish coast, the oceans, Orca’s and pollution

[Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 ⭐️ - I really wanted to love this book but felt it was more a stream of consciousness, repetitive read with a bigger focus on the plight of orca worldwide, and the authors (totally warranted) love of both orca and the Hebrides. However, having read a lot about orca worldwide,I wanted and expected more on the elusive West Coast community. I suppose their elusive nature means we simply don’t have that knowledge about them, so naturally, the book can’t bring much more to the table.

If you’re new to orca and want to learn about their plight in general, this is a fairly easy (if at times clumsy) read, but for me I felt it didn’t give me anything new.

The second part of the book, the authors recount of her time in Hebridean waters was fascinating at parts and is something I would love to experience first hand… so much so, that I did have a long think after about whether I could stomach my sea sickness enough to complete a citizen science trip (like the author did), and as much as I’d LOVE to, I really don’t think my motion sickness would love me for that 💔.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something uniquely tragic about this book. There is no direct call to action, at least not one that can save the individual lives depicted. The sad, grim reality is that the Britain's orca population has collapsed and these final remnants of the pod are all we have left. Gone before we can fully understand them, but here long enough for us to make records of their fin shapes, their calls, their dietry patterns.

Reading about them in a time when they will soon be lost - but not quite yet - is a sad fact, but becomes achingly so when rendered under Sanders' pen. She speaks about them with humour and such humanity. They feel so alive beneath the black ink and the white page. Some day, that will be all we have of them.

[Paul Snelling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A curious book in two parts. Initially she introduces us to the diminishing members of the west coast orca community, including the recently and not so recently deceased. There’s not really enough of orca biography to sustain the book, so these initial chapters are filled with information about orca in general, but as the chapters are named for the individual there was sense of where we were or where we were going. The second part is a whale-seeking diary of a trip around the Inner and Outer Hebrides, which I’m sorry to say, did not retain my attention. It read a bit like a gushing diary of a sixth form adventure, and she misses plenty of opportunity to develop her themes. There’s a fair bit of repetition and the generally the writing is in need of a better editor.

[twigs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hugely important book with all of its areas thoroughly developed and documented in such a beautiful and poignant way. As someone interested in animal intelligence and behaviour, this book covered all of the biggest areas involving and affecting orcas in the world, and expresses these through the lens of one group we have collectively failed as a result of not enough education and resources like this book. It speaks to how we can learn from the mistakes made with one group you truly become deeply attached too, in order to help an entire planet of organisms. It cultures an empathy in the reader that can be translated across any species or area of interest within biology. I thoroughly enjoyed this book <3

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening and sobering. In telling the story of the last remaining living members of the West Coast Orca Community, it illustrates the plight that these incredible animals are facing. And facing due to us - our actions and the way we've treated nature and our oceans. As such it's not an easy read at times. But it's not written to be. It's written to share the author's love and passion for these creatures, and it does that very effectively.
I loved the purpose of this book, and the wealth of detail in it. It did feel a bit repetitive at times, and as though it could have done with a more thorough edit, hence the 4 stars not 5.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF - Finished on page 165
3.5 🌟

I was really excited to read a book about the West Coast Community, but it’s apparent that there just isn’t enough known about them. The book was very affirming in my knowledge from my studies on orca over the years, and was really nice to be back in that headspace. However, I found the book quite competitive (already being informed about the info probably didn’t help).

Still 100% worth a read as someone who doesn’t know much about orca and wants a really great overview about their struggles in the wild thanks to us lot 😢

By the time I got to the more diary-entry style writing, I was ready to move on to something new.

[Bronwen Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like everyone should read this book, it sheds so much light on the all the issues that orcas and marine mammals face as well as highlighting the severity of keeping them in captivity. I really enjoyed the scientific analysis of their behaviour as well as the folklore and myths behind the orca. There were a few points that were repeated throughout the book, however I think this repetition helped bring home certain things, as well as ensuring they were remembered and understood. I really loved part 2 as it’s a travel log of her time with the HWDT which I’ve always hoped to do too one day

[Sarah Laing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which provided lots of really interesting information about Orcas in many different locations. The book highlighted the man-made issues which marine mammals are facing several times, which I feel is important to encourage people to make changes or look for ways they can support campaigns to protect areas of the ocean where these amazing animals live. Altogether, a very inspiring and informative read.

[Connor Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice summary of orca knowledge through the stories of the 10 West Coast community orcas - some lovely language, great descriptions of landscapes and an enduring passion for these creatures that can be felt through the page. The only thing that could be better was that some of the stories/content/phrases are often repeated and some bits of info are given several times throughout the book, to the point where it became really noticeable - but that small detail aside, I loved it!

[Anne Macnamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read focused on our West Coast orcas - a group I knew nothing about, Natalie introduces us to them all and the threats they face from our modern world.
As with so much of our natural world, we are in danger of losing that which we don’t yet know or understand, through ignorance and lack of care.
Sometimes a tough read, but ultimately a celebration of one of our most elusive, misunderstood and incredible mammals.

[Declan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very important book about the West Coast Community of Orca. I found some of the book upsetting. We must do more to protect the planet.

My main issue is the first section of the book as it’s not giving any new information on the science and ecotypes. I feel that you have to have a level of knowledge to pick this book up and it repeats a lot of information you know.

I much preferred the second part on the voyage of the Sirulian because then it becomes more of a wildlife/travel memoir.

[Amber Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wishing the last half of the book had been expanded on and that was this entire book. The first half is basically just an overview on Orcas, and it repeats itself a lot. I think most people that pick up this book probably know a lot of that information, which is fine but not what I was looking for. It's a guess a good refresher of all of the information. I did enjoy like I said the last part of the book which reads like a diary of her trip when she first saw a wild Orca.

[Adam S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, "The Last Sunset in the West: Britain's Vanishing West Coast Orcas" was a fantastic read. Emotional, engaging, eye-opening, and truly heartfelt.

This book tells the story of the Orca population off the west coast of Scotland and their struggles for survival, while also highlighting the challenges faced by all marine life around the world.

There's a lot of interesting information about each of the Orca, their ecotypes and habitats supported by extensive research. Thankfully, however, it doesn't read like a textbook. The storytelling and photos of encounters and experiences with these magnificent, intelligent whales really made the book engaging and, at times, emotional to read.

I would certainly recommend this to anyone interested in marine mammals or conservation in general. It really hits home the urgent need to protect Orca populations worldwide.