Plan to Relocate Luna Delayed

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and both groups that propose to move Luna have concluded spring could be a better time to make the move.

"We're looking at a new approach where Luna can be left in Nootka Sound over the winter with monitoring to give the groups time to raise funds," said department spokeswoman Lara Sloan.

The department likes the proposals of two groups - the Vancouver Aquarium and a Seattle-based organization - to undertake the move. But while both have the expertise for the job, neither has the money.

"I'd rather have more time to make sure all the ducks are in a row before we undertake this thing," said Bob McLaughlin, president of Global Research and Rescue.

"This is not going to be a simple process."

Luna, a four-year-old, one-tonne killer whale, has spent most of his life on his own off the coast of Vancouver Island at Gold River.

But the orca has become increasingly sociable. He has attempted to rub up against some boats and his need for human attention has been worsening as some people have reportedly tried pouring beer down his blow hole and brushing his teeth.

A scientific panel concluded the whale must be moved because like a bear that has gotten used to human garbage, Luna has become a nuisance animal. There are concerns he might overturn a boat.

Scientists have said if the whale cannot be relocated, extreme options for his future include captivity or euthanasia.

The plan was to move Luna down the island coast to a spot near Victoria by December. Luna's pod often swims in U.S. waters near there.

McLaughlin said it could cost up to $1 million to do the move now, whereas it would probably be only a quarter or half that to wait until the spring.

Much of the money will likely have to come from public donations.

Sloan said waiting until spring won't be a problem for Luna.

Boating traffic in Nootka Sound is much lower in the winter.

"There will be much fewer interactions (with Luna) over the winter so its more manageable, that's for sure," said Sloan.

"Public safety is always a concern . . . but we're confident that leaving him there over the winter won't pose a problem."

McLaughlin said his organization and the Vancouver Aquarium also need some time to have their concerns about liability answered.

They want some assurances from the Canadian government, the U.S. government or both that they won't be sued if Luna damages property or hurts someone, he said.

"If Luna decides to go into his old habits...and rubs against float planes and damages them and damages boats and maybe knocks people in the water - all not because he's malicious but because that's what he does for fun - then someone could come at us and say, 'Geez, you should have known that this would have happened and therefore you're to blame.'"

Clint Wright, vice-president of operations and animal management at the Vancouver Aquarium, said looking at the liability issues is just good business practice.

Last year, the aquarium conducted the successful mission to reunite another lonely orca, Springer, with her pod.

But there are several differences between Springer and Luna. Springer was sick and hadn't developed an affection for human contact. Luna is healthy and appears happy where he is now.

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