Sperm Whales: Leviathans of the Sea with Kathy Zagzebski

Although they are found throughout the world, few people see sperm whales because they usually live in the deep ocean. Historically, humans hunted sperm whales for their oil and “spermaceti,” a waxy substance found in their heads that was used for lamps and other purposes. Today, humans have come to appreciate that these large-brained mammals have a complex and multifaceted society.

Kathy Zagzebski

Kathy is the President and Executive Director of the National Marine Life Center in Bourne.  Previously, she worked at The Marine Mammal Center in California and the Georgia Coastal Management Program.  Kathy has volunteered for a variety of marine mammal projects in California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts.  She graduated magna cum laude from Augustana College, and received her master’s degree from Duke University.  She is a member of the Society of Marine Mammalogy and the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ Association.  An alumna of the Cape Leadership Institute of Cape Cod and the Islands, Kathy serves on the boards of the Bourne Financial Development Corporation, the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ Association, and the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands. Additionally, she is on the advisory committee of the Environmental Technology Program at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.