Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist and science communicator. Her research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation.
Vanessa’s zoological background has taken her around the world for wildlife research. Notable projects Vanessa has worked on include leading pioneering research in collaboration with industry experts to develop custom-built, waterproof drones to collect whale snot (lung bacteria) for an assessment of whale health. Vanessa is also a primary investigator on a major wildlife trafficking detection project with Rapiscan Systems, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Taronga Zoo.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Books by Dr V
‘The Humpback Highway - Diving into the mysterious world of whales’
Acclaimed wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta has been mugged by whales, touched by a baby whale and covered in whale snot. In Humpback Highway, Pirotta dives beneath the surface to reveal the mysterious world of humpback whales — from their life cycle and the challenges humans present, to why whale snot and poo are important for us and the ocean. Plus the cutting-edge new technologies that allow us to see where they swim, listen to them talk and spy on them underwater.
Whether you’re a whale lover or you’re simply curious about the underwater world, Humpback Highway will inspire and give you a new respect for these majestic, marine giants.
OCEANS at NIGHT
As night-time nears, a world of creatures comes alive in our oceans.Settle in and explore the wonderful world under the waves, and see what animals do from sunset to sunrise. From penguins to sharks, giant squid and plankton, discover the fascinating after-dark lives of ocean creatures.
Oceans at Night showcases the beauty and wonder of life below the sea, so dive deep and discover what happens while you sleep!
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
The VOYAGE of WHALE and Calf
Calf is a newborn humpback whale, venturing into an exciting marine world while being nurtured and cared for by his mother. Join them as they travel along the east coast of Australia, meeting marine creatures. See the challenges Calf and Whale face as they head down into the icy waters of Antarctica, and marvel at these amazing ocean giants.
The Voyage of Whale and Calf explores humpback whale migration – plunge below the surface to learn more about the lives of these magnificent marine mammals!
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.