Longer Answer Questions

1. They think what is sighted is really a wave or trick of the light. Or they think it can be explained as a beaver or otter or sturgeon. No real photographic evidence is available.

2. They wanted to appease Naitaka. They believed that Naitaka would spare them or look favourably on them if they gave it an offering. Of perhaps the offering was to keep Naitaka busy so it wouldn’t disturb them when they passed by in a canoe

3. At a 1924 Vancouver Board of Trade meeting in Vernon, Bill Brimblecombe sang an English music hall song about Ogopogo, the Zulu chief. The Vancouver Province newspaper reported that Ogopogo was the official name of the Okanagan Lake monster.

4. The Chaplin video showed an animal that wasn’t a beaver and wasn’t a log. Large otters can grow to be 4-5 feet long. Maybe this one was extra large. Maybe wet hair covered with algae could be mistaken for green skin.

5. Yes, he said he was a “little spooked.” However, he continued swimming, and made plans to swim the length of the lake the following year.

Discussion Questions

1. A frightening name makes people expect a frightening creature. For example, a big dog named Spike sounds more frightening that a big dog named Honey.

2. Answers will vary.

3. The legend of Ogopogo encourages tourism. It is a good symbol for the Okanagan. Ogopogo statues are good places for tourists to get their photos taken. Tourists buy Ogopogo toys and T-shirts. Tourist Associations run contents awarding money to anyone who gives proof that Ogopogo exists. No one is likely to win, but a contest is a good way to get attention.