The Great Ork: A Brief History

The Great Ork was a flightless seabird that once thrived in the North Atlantic, roughly the size of a two-year-old child, resembling a penguin. Initially mistaken for penguins by European sailors due to their appearance, the Great Ork’s name is believed to derive from Welsh or Latin, showcasing the historical debates surrounding its etymology. Existing for thousands of years, these birds were found along coasts from Canada to parts of Europe but faced extinction by the 1860s primarily due to hunting. Their decline highlights human impact on biodiversity, particularly as they became known as desirable trophies among collectors.