DFO Postpones Rescue Of Lonely Luna

Friday, June 18, 2004
GOLD RIVER, BC - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans delayed the capture of Luna the lonely orca Friday.

Spokeswoman Marilyn Joyce said the DFO reached an agreement with Grand Chief Mike Maquinna for more time with the whale they call Tsuxiit.

The natives believe the whale embodies the spirit of their late chief.

Joyce said a team of experts assembled in Gold River will be checking schedules but won't be proceeding further until early next week.

She said the First Nations understand the DFO's concern for public safety.

However, Joyce said the DFO can't endorse the idea of leading Luna down the coast of Vancouver Island to reunite with his family pod.

The natives previously suggested that instead of transporting Luna to waters near Victoria, they could entice him to follow them in their canoes.

Joyce dismissed the proposal as too dangerous for the paddlers and the young whale.

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