1. Carl Potter!
Reflections on KP2!
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! The Odyssey of KP2 is a case study of a seal that helps to give insight into the
larger problem of endangered species and the degradation of the environment. This
broad topic does concern me and I do think it is a significant issue and will continue to
be for years so gaining insight into the amount of time and resources involved is very
important. On the other hand in the Odyssey of KP2 I was put off by the extensive
amount of time and money that was being put into this one animal that was going blind.
Yet at the same time appreciated the opportunity to get a first hand account of this
endangered animals life through the journal of a scientist and not a book with an
obvious bias and an agenda. So to say I had mixed feelings about the topics brought up
in the book is an understatement.!
! My opinion KP2’s story changed gradually from the beginning to the end of the
book. I thought it was reasonable to rescue an endangered seal pup and re-habilitate it
to be released back into the wild. I thought it was reasonable when KP2 was
transported to a lab where more could be learned about the species in order to aid in
conservation. !
! My opinion really started to change when staff begin to overly buddy up with KP2
and spend more time and money on this one seal. There is also very little mention of
scientific advancement thanks to KP2, whether it was omitted from the book or not that
was the point of the seal being at a lab. This seemed to be counterproductive in terms
of conservation efforts, the resources seemed like they could have been spread out
more evenly whether at the lab or with other conservation projects.!
! This extra effort was somewhat justified in the end when KP2 became a mascot
and teaching tool for conservation which brought in more resources to conservation
efforts and raised awareness. This future however was not known until near the very
end of the book, this wasn’t a goal for the lab or the science team throughout KP2’s life.
The team just happened to have a rare case where the animal they had been working
with was a spirit animal in Hawaii and also adorable. !

2. ! I do believe that in the end KP2’s story did affect me in a positive way, his
published story and his role as a mascot for conservation efforts significantly helps
conservation efforts which is a world wide issue that affects us all. I grew up on an
island in Alaska where marine conservation is a big issue so I am concerned about
marine conservation and if a cute seal can raise awareness then I think he is important.
Marine conservation is fairly well funded in coastal area’s but receives little to no
attention from people who live even slightly inland. The Odyssey of KP2 can reach
people who would normally never give it much thought even though they love sushi.!
! In conclusion I did relate to the larger affects The Odyssey of KP2 has on
creating awareness for marine protection and conservation. I think if a group of
scientists and one seal can have far reaching effects then it is worthwhile to pay
attention and learn from their examples. That way we can think of other effective ways
to make needed changes. In terms of the story of KP2 himself and his journey I really
was pretty indifferent, there are examples like this all over the world. If KP2 had been an
endangered fish or snail there would have been no story or interest. !
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