The true story behind Big Miracle

Cindy Lowry

Cindy Lowry, who has dedicated a lifetime of work to protecting the environment, spoke to Go Girl about the experience having her work made into a blockbuster film. Big Miracle, out now on DVD, is based on three weeks in which Cindy helped successfully rescue grey whales in Alaska after they became trapped in the ice. Cindy was asked by filmmakers, to help tell the story of events leading up to the Big Miracle and here she shares her experiences with us!  

How are marine animals at risk in the world today?
Pollution and habitat loss have a huge effect on the health of marine animals. Things like building on the nearby land, too much noise, throwing plastic in the ocean, and changing climates can cause most of those problems.  

Why do you think it is important to protect against this?
I think it is our responsibility to protect marine animals and the oceans but in the long run, these things can affect humans too. As shown in Big Miracle, humans can have such a strong bond with marine mammals and being near water can also have a calming effect on people. 

Cindy was played by an actress named Drew Barrymore, in the film

What is it like to work face-to-face with an endangered species?
I’ve worked with wolves, bears, coyotes, whales, sea otters and I've had some amazing experiences with them. Whales are such amazing creatures and they just touch my heart. They went through so much to survive the times that are shown in Big Miracle and it still brings tears to my eyes when I think of them.

Do you have any encounters you remember well?

I’ll tell you a story that’s featured in Big Miracle. It was my last night on the ice with the gray whales before they were finally freed.  I think the whales could start to smell open water, and they were getting very excited. I was alone so it was really quiet. I was kneeling down on the ice, saying goodbye to them when one of them came up and rested its head on the ice and blew. I was totally frosted with whale breath! I told them they were going home soon and at that moment I had the most amazing eye contact with that whale. I just know they knew that they would be free soon. It was a really incredible experience. 

Cindy spent lots of time with Drew, who played Cindy in the film.

What input did you have into how Big Miracle turned out?
I was very involved on all aspects whether it was clothing of the time, scenes of my office, or how I felt at the time during the event. I spent many weeks with the actress who played me, so she was very in tune with me.

What do you think of the movie?
I'm very happy with how the movie turned out. It was like watching myself many years ago. Some of my old clothing and jewelry from that time period was used which was also fun. 

How do you think the film will help to increase awareness?
The rescue event itself was a wonderful story about how people can work together to accomplish great things. I hope the movie will inspire people to do the same. I really do believe that one person can make a difference and encourage others to do great things.

How can we help?
I have learned that the type of creature you're most passionate about, will determine how you can protect them. There are many wonderful environmental organizations you can become involved with and websites to determine who works with the issues that you care most about. There are often great opportunities to volunteer your help when you’re old enough, too!