A retired teacher from British Columbia has found a new passion in volunteering and writing a book, all thanks to an unlikely source of inspiration – an elephant seal.
After retiring from a 35-year career in teaching, 65-year-old Linda Whitehead was looking for a way to stay active and give back to her community. That’s when she came across the Elephant Seal Research Group, a volunteer organization that monitors and protects elephant seals on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Whitehead was immediately drawn to the cause and began volunteering with the group, spending her days observing and documenting the seals’ behavior and movements. As she spent more time with the animals, she became fascinated by their intelligence and unique personalities.
“I was amazed by how much they reminded me of humans,” Whitehead said in an interview with CTV News.
Inspired by her experiences with the elephant seals, Whitehead decided to write a book about them. Titled “The Elephant Seals of Vancouver Island,” the book is a collection of stories and observations from her time volunteering with the Elephant Seal Research Group.
“I wanted to share their stories and educate people about these amazing creatures,” Whitehead explained.
The book has received positive reviews from readers, with many praising Whitehead’s writing style and her ability to capture the essence of the elephant seals.
But for Whitehead, the most rewarding part of this experience has been the opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of these animals.
“I feel like I’m making a small contribution to the conservation of these magnificent creatures,” she said.
Whitehead’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to find a new passion and make a positive impact in the world. And for her, that passion came in the form of an elephant seal.
