Springer Springs Back into Her Pod

Thursday, July 10, 2003
VANCOUVER -- A whale of a family reunion is under way off northern Vancouver Island. Springer the orca has been sighted with her whale family, apparently reunited with her pod.

Springer is the young killer whale who received international attention when she was spotted lost and alone in Washington state's Puget Sound.

In a never-before-attempted rescue, Springer was moved to Telegraph Cove, off the northern tip of Vancouver Island. She had not been spotted since last October until photos were taken Wednesday.

It's believed she joined up with her family when the pod swam through Johnstone Strait, almost exactly one year after her release.

"We took the best chance with her and everything's worked out well," said Clint Wright of Vancouver Aquarium, part of the U.S.-Canadian relocation team.

LUNA REUNION MAY NOT BE AS SIMPLE

Wright says he's unsure what the implications are for Luna, a male killer whale similarly orphaned and still swimming on his own in the area.

"Females reintegrating into the pod may be different than males," said Wright, noting that Springer was also sick and isolated when the rescue began.

"Luna seems to be very active, very energetic, feeding well and moving in a fairly large area," he said.

Both Springer and Luna had developed a dangerous habit of approaching boats. Marine biologists say it appears Springer has since lost that habit, while they continue to warn boaters not to interact with Luna.