Question

Why does Dave Withrow describe the rescue site as 'a total zoo'?

(1 point)
Responses

It was a chaotic scene filled with a large number of reporters.
It was a chaotic scene filled with a large number of reporters.

It was difficult to work in due to the extremely cold weather.
It was difficult to work in due to the extremely cold weather.

It was disorganized because too many different groups were helping.
It was disorganized because too many different groups were helping.

It was dangerous because many wild animals had gathered nearby.
It was dangerous because many wild animals had gathered nearby.
NOAA's Big Miracle Worker By NOAA
NOAA marine mammal biologist Dave Withrow and the event that inspired Hollywood. In this interview, Dave Withrow discusses how he contributed to the whale rescue.

How did you get involved in Operation Breakthrough?

I work for NOAA1 at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and anything whale-related, especially on the West Coast, comes through our office. Initially, there were no gray whale experts on the scene in Barrow. We were watching the news reports every night, and the lack of factual information would make all of us cringe. A week after the whales were found, then director of NOAA’s National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Howard Braham, asked me to go work with the press and make sure they had accurate information about these incredible creatures.

Can you describe what it was like when you arrived on the scene?

It was freezing — about 30 to 40 degrees below zero every day during the rescue, so not at all like the average whale stranding at the beach. This was October in Alaska and everyone on the scene had to endure a lot of difficult conditions to be there. Meanwhile, it was a total zoo in Barrow with all the reporters there. At the time, we didn’t know why this had captured the whole world’s attention, but all eyes were on us. The whales were relatively young and confused. All of the other gray whales had started migrating2 much earlier, but these three whales stayed in the feeding grounds too long. As a result, they were trapped by ice as temperatures continued to drop. Once we started moving the whales toward freedom, however, I couldn’t help but think that they knew something was happening. They seemed to understand that we were there to help them along.

Answer 1

It was a chaotic scene filled with a large number of reporters. He says “it was a total zoo in Barrow with all the reporters there.”