Another Cut and More Concern for Lost Orca

Wednesday, September 3, 2003
GOLD RIVER, BC - Luna, the young killer whale living alone in Canada's Nootka Sound, has suffered a second cut on his head -- and observers are growing increasingly worried about his long-term survival. It's likely the whale was struck by a boat while trying to get close to people, said Mark Pakenham of the Luna Stewardship Project, a Canadian group trying to protect him from harm.

The first cut, reported a week ago, is on the left side of his head, Pakenham said. The second cut, first seen Saturday, is on the right. Both are about 8 inches long and probably are not life-threatening, if they heal without infection.

Pakenham said neither cut left a curved mark, characteristic of a propeller wound. The cuts were more likely from a sharp object, possibly associated with a boat or motor.

"What is really happening here is that Luna has been on his own too long," Pakenham said. "I'm getting very concerned about how we break his behavior. I have been working with Luna for more than a year now, and his condition is becoming demonstrably more perilous with each passing day."

Luna was somehow separated from his closest family members in L Pod more than two years ago. L Pod is a group of orcas that frequents Puget Sound but has been known to travel around Vancouver Island.

Some observers believe Luna was traveling with his uncle near the west coast of Vancouver Island when the older whale became disabled or died. Both Luna and the uncle failed to return to Puget Sound in 2001.

Until recently, officials with Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans were taking a hands-off approach. Now, the agency is reconsidering what action to take, if any.

Some people in both the United States and Canada believe the only answer is to reunite Luna with his family.

Moving Springer, another young orca, from Vashon Island to her home waters in Canada last year has been hailed as an unqualified success.

For More Information:

Luna news from activists -- www.reuniteluna.com
Fisheries Canada -- www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
National Marine Fisheries Service -- www.nwr.noaa.gov