Media Coverage
There's a great scene in Saving Luna where the endearing and outgoing orca of the title repeatedly surfaces to affectionately nudge a Department of Fisheries and Oceans official as she tries sternly to explain to boaters there's a $100,000 fine for touching the whale.
2008-02-05
Nearly two years after a tragic accident ended the saga of a wayward killer whale known as Luna, documentary filmmakers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit bring the gregarious little orca to the big screen in a thought-provoking, first-person account likely to stir debate.
2008-01-27
From orphan orca to tale of stroke recovery, cinematic releases demonstrate indomitable spirit
2008-01-24
Luna the killer whale is continuing to make waves, 18 months after his death.
2007-10-08
Several years ago, scientists recorded the sounds of sea lions barking underwater in Nootka Sound off Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
2006-09-12
Even after its death, Luna the maverick killer whale is still attracting attention.
2006-08-28
A lone killer whale near a Canadian fishing village was a skilled mimic that barked just like a sea lion, a new study reveals.
2006-08-25
Movie shoot in orca's adopted home does honour to his spirit as it reawakens the heartbreak
2006-08-14
Luna has left us, but the orca's spirit will be alive and frolicking in Nootka Sound next month.
2006-08-08
'Reconciliation cruise' on one of whale's favourite boats covers old haunts
2006-06-04
A tribute to the lonely leviathan of Nootka Sound
2006-05-10
As Mowachaht /Muchalaht Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna throws a cedar bough into Muchalat Inlet, he remembers the impact Tsu’xiit the killer whale had on the world.
2006-03-29
The tale of the endearing misfit orca known as Luna first came to my attention in 2004, three years after he had gone missing from the waters off Puget Sound and mysteriously reappeared in Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
2006-03-27
The young killer whale is discussed in Internet essays and forums.
2006-03-21
Imagine a lost, one-year-old child trying to find its family hundreds of miles away by itself.
2006-03-19
No amount of finger pointing or crying over spilt milk is going to bring Luna back.
2006-03-18
The recent death of Luna, the lone Orca with an unnatural fixation with humans and their boats, has received a lot of attention - for all the wrong reasons.
2006-03-18
As Mowachaht/Muchalaht Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna throws a cedar bough into Muchalat Inlet, he remembers the impact Tsu’xiit the killer whale had on his community, and the world.
2006-03-16
Two-year-old Matea Girotto thinks all whales are called Luna.
2006-03-16
Luna spent the last few hours of his life chasing sticks thrown into the water and hanging out with the crew of the 30-metre tugboat General Jackson.
2006-03-15
About 130 locals gathered at the community wharf Monday for a ceremonial send-off for the orca, who had made the Nootka Sound area his home since 2001 when he became separated from his pod.
2006-03-14
Friday was a sad day for all who have been following the orca Luna's story, hoping for a much happier ending
2006-03-14
Luna's death was sad enough in itself. The end for the young orca on Friday off Vancouver Island becomes just a little more disturbing when you remember that the juvenile was part of an endangered species.
2006-03-14
People gathered on the government wharf in Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island on Monday to mourn the accidental death of Luna the killer whale last week.
2006-03-13
When Luna, the lonely killer whale, died Friday after getting sucked into the prop of a tug in a remote area that was almost devoid of boat traffic, he became the latest statistic on a long and disturbing list.
2006-03-13
Luna died Friday after making contact with a boat propeller off Vancouver Island.
2006-03-13
First Nations will gather on the docks of Gold River today to say goodbye to Luna.
2006-03-13
An environmental group in British Columbia wants an inquiry into the death of Luna.
2006-03-13
Luna believed dead after run-in with tugboat's prop
2006-03-13
WHALE'S DEATH: Some finger DFO, others blame native group
2006-03-12
Gold River looks back at whale who became part of community
2006-03-12
A killer whale officials believed to be Luna was killed on Friday after being hit by the propeller of a tugboat.
2006-03-12
The wild, lonely ride of Luna the killer whale is over.
2006-03-11
Young whale dies in propeller collision
2006-03-11
Luna, the playful killer whale who won the hearts of many around the world, was killed Friday after an incident with a tugboat off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
2006-03-11
Luna, the juvenile killer whale from Washington state waters who got lost in Canada's Nootka Sound five years ago, apparently died Friday when he was accidentally struck by a tugboat propeller, Canadian authorities said.
2006-03-10
2006-03-10
Luna, the juvenile killer whale from Washington state waters who got lost in Canada's Nootka Sound five years ago, apparently died today when he was accidentally struck by a tugboat propeller.
2006-03-10
Luna, the dangerously friendly killer whale, appears to have been killed doing the same sorts of things that enraged some local residents, but endeared him to hundreds of others in B.C. and around the world.
2006-03-10
Canadian officials believe a killer whale struck and killed by a tugboat off Vancouver Island is Luna.
2006-03-10
Those who cruised the West Coast of Vancouver Island this past summer likely heard a VHF Notice to Shipping advising listeners about Luna, the infamous killer whale of Nootka Sound.
2006-03-08
Puget Sound's killer whales may have begun their winter travels earlier this year.
2006-01-07
When a wayward orca adopts local residents as 'friends,' human cultures clash. Now science, spirituality and commerce are at an impasse.
2005-12-23
University of Washington researchers are looking for 20 budding elementary school "scientists" who enjoy science to participate in a study exploring how computers can help children with scientific problem solving and report writing.
2005-12-01
Fisheries and Oceans Canada agreed to fund the Mowachaht / Muchalaht Tsux’iit Stewardship Project, but documents obtained through the Access to Information Program show the federal department undercut the First Nation by thousands of dollars.
2005-11-22
More than a year has passed since the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation prevented Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) from capturing the young killer whale named Tsux’iit (Luna, L-98) in June, 2004.
2005-11-22
When Luna, the lonely orca who lives in Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, began to exchange calls with a passing pod of killer whales, it was a conversation heard around the world.
2005-11-18
Puget Sound's 'local' whales receive 'endangered' status
2005-11-16
As Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Vancouver Aquarium staff prepared to capture Tsu’xiit in Nootka Sound in 2003, documents obtained by Ha-Shilth-Sa reveal many within the department were already worried about outcomes.
2005-10-18
Nootka Sound’s famous killer whale was close to becoming an aquarium exhibit, according to documents obtained by Ha-Shilth-Sa under the federal Access to Information Program (ATIP).
2005-10-14
Phone lines were buzzing between various provincial offices last month after Ha-Shilth-Sa reported two uniformed BC Parks personnel were filmed playing with Tsuxiit (Luna) in Nootka Sound.
2005-09-25
Researchers all over the world interested in whale's unique voice
2005-08-24
International researchers are listening to live Internet broadcasts of the orca through the LunaLive project, which uses a satellite uplink to broadcast sounds from a hydrophone in Nootka Sound.
2005-08-22
Luna the solitary orca is performing for the microphone and his show is being picked up worldwide.
2005-08-21
Threats of violence against Luna prompt RCMP to increase patrols along Gold River dock
2005-08-18
RCMP in Gold River are investigating an upset boater who told reporters there are ways to make the orca leave Nootka Sound and that Luna would stay away if he was dynamited
2005-08-18
After months of negotiations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has come forward with interim funding for the Tsu’xiit Stewardship Program, but the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation is demanding action as well.
2005-08-13
After three years in an inlet near the Vancouver Island village of Gold River, Luna the orca shows no signs of leaving.
2005-08-11
Pesky marine mammal needs protection from irate boaters, two writers say
2005-08-11
A deal that will see a native band paid $48,000 to keep an eye on Luna, Gold River's wayward killer whale, will likely be signed today.
2005-08-10
Luna the killer whale is busy bashing boats once again in Nootka Sound.
2005-08-08
A freelance writer and filmmaker who has documented the activities of Luna, the killer whale, has developed a plan to keep the lone orca entertained and out of people's hair in Canada's Nootka Sound.
2005-08-08
Luna (L98) was born near San Juan Island in Puget Sound, British Columbia, on the 19th of September 1999, his mother was Splash (L67). Both Orcas are part of the L 2 matriline.
2005-08-04
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation of Nootka Sound has failed in its stewardship of Luna (L-98) the killer whale. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has tried to provide proper care for Luna.
2005-08-02
Writers say rambunctious orca needs a human family
2005-07-30
A favourite haunt for Luna during the last couple of weeks has been Critter Cove Marina, where he has bashed docks and banged boats.
2005-07-30
Hopes that Luna the lonely orca is losing his fascination with boats faded Friday.
2005-07-25
Sun and salmon are drawing fishing and pleasure boats to the spectacular waters of Nootka Sound, the home turf of Luna the solitary orca.
2005-07-23
A man accused of whale-whacking has been found not guilty.
2005-07-14
Sports fishermen will be banned from an area of Nootka Sound in an effort to give Luna the lonely orca a quiet zone.
2005-07-12
A small buffer zone is being created at the mouth of Nootka Sound to keep Luna, the wayward Orca whale, from damaging fishing boats or harming the boating public this summer.
2005-07-12
An area near Gold River on the West Coast of Vancouver Island will be closed to sports fishing this year because of Luna the killer whale.
2005-07-11
A small service boat deployed from the Coast Guard ship CCGS Bartlett had its rudder torn off by Tsuxiit two weeks ago despite warnings about using sonar equipment near the whale.
2005-07-09
David Krajnc and his brother-in-law Markus McConkey were watching a whale breach in Nootka Sound last Wednesday when the orca burst through the water about a metre from their aptly named boat, Squish.
2005-07-07
Luna the whale is back and up to his old boat-bashing tricks.
2005-07-06
Tsu’xiit (Luna, L-98) the solitary orca of Nootka Sound, will be guarded fulltime by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, starting immediately, the First Nation announced this week.
2005-06-13
As fishing season opens, biologist urges ban on sonar in Nootka Sound
2005-05-22
On the west coast of Vancouver Island, a modern day clash of beliefs is playing out. Canadian officials have attempted to subordinate the reverence for life that is integral to the spirituality of the communities that have lived there for thousands of years.
2005-05-21
The dramatic events of last summer's attempt to reunite Luna, the solitary killer whale, with his pod left many with unanswered questions and/or misconceptions. Many of us involved feel an obligation to recap the past, and to assert our beliefs concerning the future. Luna's story is complex and how it gets resolved has direct impact on the Puget Sound orca.
2005-05-09
The following letters were published in the Vancouver Province in response to the article "Natives want $176,000 to watch whale"
2005-04-27
The following letters were published in the Vancouver Province in response to the article "Natives want $176,000 to watch whale"
2005-04-22
$176,000: Boater says orca will still do as he pleases
2005-04-22
Vancouver Province Editorial
2005-04-21
Group received $10,000 from federal government last year
2005-04-20
The Vancouver Island native band that fought against forcing Luna, the stray orca, to reunite with its family wants the federal government to pay it $176,000 this year to help keep the wayward whale safe from harm.
2005-04-20
Luna the solitary orca, like all five-year-olds, is growing fast.
2005-04-10
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is still trying to decide how to deal with Luna the orca as the boating season in Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound fast approaches.
2005-04-10
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is still trying to decide how to deal with Luna the orca as the boating season in Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound fast approaches.
2005-04-07
Like all five-year-olds, Luna the solitary orca is growing fast.
2005-04-07
Spending the winter feeding on Chinook and other fish species around Nootka Sound, Tsu-xiit (Luna, L-98) communicated briefly with passing members of G-pod last month.
2005-03-29
Pacific Yachting Magazine received the following letters in response to the December 2004 article “Lunacy” by Greg Middleton.
2005-02-28
Tsuux-iit, a native name bestowed on the whale by some members the Gold River-based Mowachaht-Muchalat First Nation who believe the orca embodies the spirit of deceased Chief Ambrose Macquinna.
2005-02-11
Whale: Luna causes damage
2005-01-29
Area aboriginal people want to ensure the dangerously boisterous orca remains in Nootka Sound until a ceremonial potlatch in November. But residents of Gold River, who have watched with increasing alarm as Luna toys with boats and floatplanes, are worried what another summer with their huge guest will mean. (Globe and Mail)
2005-01-01
Safety versus spiritual needs divides the guardians of a lonely killer whale off Vancouver Island. (McLeans.ca)
2004-12-22
There's a very slim chance that Luna the killer whale, who's been stuck alone in Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound since 2001, could reunite with his family on his own. (AP/ Seattle Post Intelligencer)
2004-12-15
Members of L pod, probably including Luna's mother, were spotted off Bamfield Dec. 2 reigniting hopes they may be heading past the entrance to Nootka Sound, where the five-year-old whale has lived on his own for almost three-and-a-half years. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-12-14
Hopes of reuniting Luna the solitary orca with his family are rising, following a sighting of his pod off the west coast of Vancouver Island. (National Post)
2004-12-14
The family of Luna – the orphaned killer whale – has been spotted off the west coast of Vancouver Island. (CBC Vancouver)
2004-12-13
Luna the orca's family pod has been sighted off Vancouver Island's west coast, raising hopes of a natural reunion. (Vancouver Province)
2004-12-13
When an orca gets up close and too personal -- and you can't do anything about it (Pacific Yachting - December 2004 issue)
2004-12-01
The whale, nicknamed "Poco", reportedly beached last night. His body is being taken to an aquarium in Boston where an examination will be done. (WLBZ2.com)
2004-11-15
Representatives of the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation have begun participating in the scientific panel discussions on the future of Tsu-xiit (Luna). (Ha-Shilth-Sa October 21, 2004)
2004-11-12
Experts will focus on improving killer whales' toxic, food-short habitat so threatened pods can breed themselves out of danger (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-11-07
'He's going to kill someone,' says man whose boat has come under attack (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-11-06
Whale researchers are optimistic the birth of two killer whale calves in October will stabilize and ultimately increase B.C.'s endangered southern resident killer whale population. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-11-03
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is satisfied with the job Mowachaht/Muchalaht has done in keeping Tsu-xiit away from commercial fishing vessels and pleasure boats, according to Acting Regional Director Don Radford. (Ha-Shilth-Sa)
2004-10-26
It only takes a few minutes of peering through high-powered binoculars before they see the tell-tale spray. On the lee side of Victor Island, the area's most famous resident killer whale feeds on a few of the thousands of chum salmon heading towards their natal spawning grounds up the Gold River. (Ha-Shilth-Sa)
2004-10-26
When Luna, a people-loving orca, chose Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound for his home, he set in motion a drama of leviathan proportions (Smithsonian Magazine)
2004-10-25
Winter travels take Puget Sound orcas out into the ocean and along the West Coast. (Kitapsun Sun)
2004-10-24
Two newborn orcas have been welcomed into L Pod, one of the three groups of killer whales that frequent Puget Sound. (Kitapsun Sun)
2004-10-19
Jamie James of Mowachaht/Muchalaht Fisheries Department has been performing regular patrols and observing the lone killer whale and recording all his activities throughout the day. (Ha-Shilth-Sa)
2004-10-11
Regarding Rondi Adamson's Sept. 4 Opinion piece, "Canada's whale of a dilemma": So many articles I have read about Luna seem content to focus only on the damage he does to boats, and what a "menace" he is. (Letter to the Editor in the Christian Science Monitor)
2004-10-08
Science and animal welfare concerns are clashing with political correctness off the coast of British Columbia, where an orca named Luna is making the news. Rubbing up against boats, alternately victimized and revered, he is stuck and hapless as humans try to help - provided it doesn't offend anyone. (Christian Science Monitor)
2004-10-03
More than a dozen orcas were spotted as far south as Kingston on Friday evening, noted Susan Berta of Orca Network. On Saturday morning, they were seen heading back north to the San Juan Islands, where they have been residing most of this summer. (KItaspun SUn)
2004-09-22
Nootka Sound is becoming a risky place for slow-moving fishboats. The reason is one fast-moving whale. (Victoria Times-Colonist)
2004-09-22
Luna the orca has damaged another boat, this time a gillnetter moving into Nootka Sound for a salmon opening. (Vancouver Province)
2004-09-22
BC's infamous wild Orca turns 5 today, still hanging around Nootka Sound, hundreds of kilometres away from the pod from which it was separated 4 years ago and still considered a navigational nuisance. (CKNW)
2004-09-20
The sun hasn't even broken over the mountaintops as workers at the Muchalaht Marina start their day talking with visiting boaters about Tsu-xiit (Luna). Handing out pamphlets to anglers, they hope to educate boaters about the dangers of interacting with the area's most famous marine mammal, before more controversial interactions accur. (Ha-Shilth-Sa)
2004-09-13
Ottawa is providing a Vancouver Island Indian band with $10,000 under a joint deal to monitor Luna, the orphaned orca, and try to prevent it from interacting with boats. (Globe and Mail)
2004-09-13
A deal to watch over Luna the orphaned orca has been signed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Mowa-chaht/Muchalaht First Nation. (National Post)
2004-09-12
A number of organizations are calling on Fisheries and Oceans Canada to do more for Luna, Nootka Sound's solitary Orca. (CKNW)
2004-09-12
Canada and a Vancouver Island Indian band have signed an agreement to keep tabs on a lonely, rambunctious young killer whale who has been separated from his U.S. relatives for three years. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-09-11
The organization Reunite Luna has launched a petition drive to encourage Canadian authorities to return the 5-year-old killer whale to his family as soon as possible. (Bremerton Sun)
2004-09-06
If Luna were a bear, he would have been shot and killed long ago. Bears that lose their fear of humans and become a nuisance or a danger to the public are routinely dispatched in British Columbia by the hundreds each year. (Vancouver Sun)
2004-09-02
Luna, the lone, friendly orca of Nootka Sound, is in trouble and needs help. Sensational news stories which focus on his encounters with boats have recently been published worldwide. They make much of the fear Luna has aroused in a few boaters. As a result, some people have called for Luna to be sent to an aquarium, or even killed. Those options are neither acceptable nor necessary. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-09-02
Overly-friendly whale or just a "Lunatic?" That's what West Coast mariners want to know after several potentially dangerous and damaging encounters with the killer whale L98, better known by the nickname Luna. (Campbell River Mirror)
2004-09-01
The federal government will spend $10,000 over the next two months to keep Luna the killer whale safe and out of trouble in the waters off Gold River. (CBC Vancouver)
2004-08-31
There is an increasing danger to the public as Luna the killer whale grows bigger, remains separated from his pod and continues to come in contact with area vessels, say people familiar with the orca's saga. (Canada.com)
2004-08-30
Luna's second attack on boat has guide fearful of a fatality (Victora Times Colonist)
2004-08-30
Boaters are being warned to steer clear of Nootka Sound and have it coming if they have a scary encounter with Luna the killer whale, natives say. (Globe and Mail)
2004-08-30
Boaters are being warned to steer clear of Nootka Sound and have it coming if they have a scary encounter with Luna the killer whale, say local natives. (Canoe/CP)
2004-08-29
Aboriginal group says friendly whale is reincarnation of a dead chief (Montreal Gazette)
2004-08-29
Never, in his wildest dreams, did fisherman Kjell Aalhus think he would be held hostage because of his cute bottom. (VIctoria Times-Colonist)
2004-08-28
Kjell Aalhus has weathered all kinds of high-seas misadventures in his 37 years as a fisherman. One scenario he never planned for: a six-hour attack and "hostage-taking" by a tireless, 1½-tonne orca. (Globe and Mail)
2004-08-28
'Stewardship plan' aims to ease contact between Luna, public (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-08-28
Though the throngs of reporters no longer clog the Gold River docks, and DFO and Vancouver Aquarium staff have long vanished from behind the chain link fence and security gates of the old Bowater Mill site, Tsu-xiit continues to be a fascinating part of life in Nootka Sound. (Ha-Shilth-Sa)
2004-08-26
Sailing in Nootka Sound proved to be a whale of a time for the American pleasure craft Juniata recently.
2004-08-23
Fears are growing that Luna the lonely orca will be harmed by an angry or frightened boater or that the whale will accidentally hurt or kill someone on the water after a week of orca mayhem. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-08-21
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says the incident is serious, but not out of character.
2004-08-20
A boater says his sailboat was damaged after an apparent encounter with Luna the killer whale near Gold River this week
2004-08-19
Federal Fisheries Department and coast guard officials have begun broadcasting a radio message warning boaters near Gold River that a killer whale in the area "appears to pay particular attention to sailing-vessel rudders and tillers."
2004-08-19
A young orca separated from his pod attacked a 32-foot sailboat several times in Nootka Sound Tuesday, causing major damage and leading the skipper to fear for his life and that of his crew.
2004-08-18
A young orca separated from his pod attacked a 32-foot sailboat several times in Nootka Sound Tuesday, causing major damage and leading the skipper to fear for his life and that of his crew.
2004-08-18
Anne McIlroy tells the story of the battle for Luna, the friendly killer whale who has made his home off Vancouver Island (The Guardian)
2004-08-02
Luna, the rambunctious lonely killer whale, will spend the summer in his adopted home and that's made some residents of Gold River relieved and happy. (Canoe)
2004-07-29
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has created a framework agreement with leaders of Vancouver Island First Nations to jointly monitor Luna, the orphan killer whale. (CTV)
2004-07-29
Fisheries officials said Wednesday they will focus on enforcing rules to keep people safely away from Luna while the Mowachaht-Muchalaht Indians will work on education initiatives at the Gold River dock where the whale has spent so much time. (KOMO)
2004-07-29
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans met on Wednesday with Mowachaht-Muchalaht leaders in Gold River – to work out an arrangement that would see the First Nation take over monitoring Luna, the orph
2004-07-28
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has reached an agreement with Vancouver Island First Nations leaders to jointly monitor Luna, the orphan killer whale. (580CFRA)
2004-07-28
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is meeting on Wednesday with First Nations leaders in Gold River in an effort to reach an agreement on what to do with Luna, the orphan orca. (CBC Vancouver)
2004-07-28
The small Vancouver Island community of Gold River is experiencing a tourist boom, thanks to Luna the orphaned killer whale.
2004-07-27
'It does seem a little too good to be true,' visitor to B.C. says
2004-07-26
It's a tale of two orcas. Springer, a 4-year-old female killer whale, was rescued from the ferry lanes near Vashon Island two years ago and is now swimming with her family in Canadian waters. Luna, a male about the same age, is living alone in Canada's Nootka Sound, where he was first spotted three years ago. (Bremerton Sun / The Sun Link)
2004-07-24
Almost 230 years ago, Chief Michael Maquinna's great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather stood on the shore at Yuquot, greeted Capt. James Cook, who was among the first Europeans to set foot on what was to become British Columbia. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-07-19
For nearly 30 years, every birth, death and social habit of the endangered southern resident population of killer whales, identified by their dorsal fins, has been documented by the Centre for Whale Research in Friday Harbour, helped by researchers at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-07-19
Efforts to relocate a friendly but lonely and potentially dangerous killer whale will not be resumed before fall at the earliest, Canadian officials have decided. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-07-19
The mission to capture and move an orphaned orca leaves bitter feelings in its wake. In the end, the struggle was more about bureaucrats, a tiny village and First Nation culture. (Vicotria Times Colonist)
2004-07-19
While a sailboat disabled by Luna the orca was waiting for help from a Coast Guard cutter, the fisheries department was saying the errant whale will be free to roam Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound for the summer. (Vancovuer Province)
2004-07-18
Canoes would accompany whale back to orca community off south Island (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-07-18
Mowachaht / Muchalaht Chiefs meet with DFO to discuss future of Tsu-xiit (Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper)
2004-07-14
A meeting between the Gold River First Nations, RCMP and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans into the fate of Luna the lone killer whale wrapped up Friday without a plan. (Canada.com)
2004-07-09
A B.C. First Nation is proposing a stewardship plan for a nuisance whale in Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound. (CP / Globe and Mail)
2004-07-08
An American plan to skewer Luna the orca's dorsal fin with bolts to hold a transmitter could cause infection, disfigurement or reproductive damage and jeopardize the whale's reunion with its pod, researchers say. (Vancouver Province from July 1)
2004-07-08
I'm getting increasingly peeved at the way the federal government has been churning through money on the great Luna relocation project. (Campbell River Mirror letter to the Editor)
2004-07-07
It is getting late and a large pod of orcas have not yet returned to the San Juan Islands. (KING 5)
2004-07-07
The links among B.C.'s First Nations, the lonely orca Luna and proposed salmon farms illustrate the gulf between sense and sentimentality (North Island Weekender)
2004-07-06
The First Nations community that plans to lead the killer whale back to its pod by canoe has won the support of 29 international environmental organizations. But it's still a plan that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opposes. (CBC)
2004-07-05
We see the makings of a nautical soap opera: A lost orca and its pod (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD)
2004-07-04
I've learned a few things at the dock at Gold River. It's the dock, next to the abandoned pulp mill, that appears in any TV coverage of Luna - also known as Tsu 'Xiit (pronounced Tsukeet), the whale that has used up more ink and film than all the 84 endangered southern resident orcas together. (North Island Weekender)
2004-07-04
Twenty-nine groups have signed on to a letter asking DFO to let the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation lead the whale back to his pod by cedar canoe. (Victoria Times-Colonist)
2004-07-04
The Federal Government is being asked to abandon the plan to capture Luna the orca off Vancouver Island. (CFRA Radio)
2004-07-03
Luna, the solo killer whale that last week eluded Department of Fisheries attempts to capture and reunite it with its relatives, has disabled a sailboat in the waters off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. (Globe and Mail)
2004-07-03
Elder Gloria Maquinna stands at the end of the partially submerged dock, raises her hands towards the sky and dances to a wheela along with two of her granddaughters. Behind them, dozens of canoe paddlers, singers, drummers, and community members sing ancient songs as loud as they can, hoping to pull Tsu-xiit away from his DFO captors. (Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper)
2004-07-02
As soon as relations began to chill between Mowachaht / Muchalaht Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna and DFO Marine Mammals Coordinator Marilyn Joyce, the first pawn to fall was the independent monitor position. (Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper)
2004-07-02
In a fond and memorable moment, 13 people paddling two canoes were reacquainted with the late Tyee Hawiilth Ambrose Maquinna in his spirit form, as it resides in the killer whale known as Tsuu-xiit. In the late Chiefs conversations with various people, he said he would come back as a killer whale. Shortly after his passing, this lone male killer whale appeared in July 2001 at Mooya Bay, where Ambrose originated from. (Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper)
2004-07-02
On Wednesday, June 16th, two canoes filled with 18 people from Mowachaht/Muchalaht launched from Ahaminaquus to attempt to lead Tsuu-xiit the killer whale away from his attempted capturers. (Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper)
2004-07-02
una, the orca in Nootka Sound who has been the subject of a tug-of-whale between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, has disabled a saiboat in the middle of Mooyah Bay. (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-07-02
The future of a 1.8-tonne orca, nicknamed Luna, remains unclear after interference by West Coast Indians made it impossible to ship the killer whale to safer water (The Toronto Star)
2004-07-02
The Canadian coast guard responded and the boat was towed into a nearby marina by an aluminum boat belonging to local Indians. (AP)
2004-07-02
An overly friendly young killer whale that Canadian fisheries officials have been trying to relocate has disabled a sailboat. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-07-02
Canadian government accused of leaving out tribes (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
2004-07-01
A majority of respondents to an online poll believe Luna should be captured in order to reunite him with L-pod. (The Islands Weekly)
2004-06-30
All of K-Pod and seven members of L-Pod haven't returned on schedule. (Bremerton Sun / The Sun Link)
2004-06-30
News reports of plans for uniting a playful West Coast orca, Luna, with his pod have perpetuated a misconception. (Globe and Mail
2004-06-29
A plan to relocate a lost killer whale on Canada's Pacific coast was in limbo last week after objections by native Indians, who claim the animal holds the spirit of a dead chief. (Planet Ark)
2004-06-28
Time is slipping away for a summer reunification of Luna the killer whale with his orca family in Juan de Fuca Strait, the president of Vancouver Aquarium said Friday.
2004-06-26
The war over the whale has erupted on a new front. A fisheries official yesterday ordered an orca researcher from her cliff-top camp above the capture pen in Gold River and demanded she pull her microphones from the water. (Vancouver Province)
2004-06-26
By backing off on efforts to reunite Luna the killer whale with his pod, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is surrendering science and good sense to pseudo-spiritual foolishness. (Ottawa Citizen)
2004-06-26
In the end, the whale experts in their high-speed Zodiacs were no match for the banging drums and haunting songs of a group of novice native paddlers. Luna chose the paddlers. (Globe and Mail)
2004-06-26
The decision to put the capture of Luna the killer whale on indefinite hold is a victory for the local natives and their quest for recognition, a chief of the Assembly of First Nations said Friday. (Globe and Mail)
2004-06-25
Clashes between fisheries officials and Vancouver Island natives over Luna have again stalled attempts to reunite the wayward killer whale with his pod. (BCTV)
2004-06-25
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is putting the capture of Luna the killer whale on hold, but doesn't say for how long (CBC).
2004-06-25
The effort to capture Luna the killer whale is being suspended indefinitely, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said late Thursday (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-06-25
Luna, the wayward killer whale, will stay put in Nootka Sound for the time being (Bremerton Sun)
2004-06-25
Plans to capture Luna and reunite the lone orca with his family in Puget Sound were postponed indefinitely (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-06-25
Decision follows conflict with aboriginal (The Toronto Star)
2004-06-24
The federal Fisheries department is putting the capture of Luna the killer whale on hold -- although the plan to reunite him with his pod hasn't been abandoned (CTV News)
2004-06-24
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is worried time is running out on its plan to reunite Luna the lonely orca with his family pod (Vancouver Province)
2004-06-24
First Nations leaders in Gold River are stepping up their efforts in the fight over the relocation of Luna the killer whale – this time on the political front.
2004-06-24
Canadian government officials temporarily called off the tug-of-war involving Luna (Bremerton Sun / The Sun Link)
2004-06-24
A damaged floatplane sits beside the estuary of the Gold River, testimony to the ultimate quirk in a braid of unexpected twists (Victoria Times-Colonist)
2004-06-24
Luna continued to elude his Canadian captors yesterday, swimming with canoes paddled by Vancouver Island Indians who oppose plans to catch the wayward killer whale (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
2004-06-24
On-again, off-again plans to reunite Luna the lonely orca with his pod are back on hold (CTV News).
2004-06-23
An aboriginal band fighting a plan to reunite a playful but dangerous orca with its pod has written a letter to federal officials demanding the effort be put off (Vancouver Province)
2004-06-23
INDIAN CANOES OVER THERE; GOVERNMENT BOATS OVER HERE (Bremerton Sun)
2004-06-23
Luna, a rambunctious and dangerously friendly orca, again swam toward aboriginal paddlers Tuesday night, turning his tail on government scientists hoping to capture him (Saskatoon Star Phoenix)
2004-06-23
'Window' to get orca into underwater pen is about half closed (Seattle Post-Intellegencer)
2004-06-23
Luna the killer whale on Tuesday evening happily swam in and out of a net pen prepared for his capture and relocation, then swam off to join some nearby Indians paddling traditional canoes (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
2004-06-22
Like something out of a movie, Luna, the lonely killer whale, has apparently escaped from his pen shortly after being captured (KING 5)
2004-06-22
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has finally captured Luna (CBC News)
2004-06-22
Canadian wildlife officials reportedly captured Luna, the lone orca Tuesday afternoon after days of near tug-of-war between native tribes and the Canadian government, according to Canadian Press reports. (KING5)
2004-06-22
A large-scale game of tug-of-war took place on the water Tuesday with a rambunctious orca the prize in the middle (CH Victoria)
2004-06-22
Scientists began the effort to capture a rambunctious but dangerous orca and reunite him with his pod, but aboriginals in canoes again thwarted the effort, prompting concerns about an ugly confrontation. (CTV)
2004-06-22
The attempt to capture Luna the killer whale has begun in the waters of Nootka Sound off the west coast of Vancouver Island. 2004-06-22
Luna capture attempt expected today (Vancouver Sun)
2004-06-22
Luna the killer whale is like a rambunctious and unpredictable teenage boy, so no one knows exactly how he will react when he's put in the net pen (Victoria Times-Colonist)
2004-06-22
Luna could take a crucial step today toward reuniting with his family pod in Puget Sound if a government rescue effort is successful (Bremerton Sun / The Sun Link)
2004-06-22
Luna the lonely orca is worth millions to a commercial aquarium (Vancouver Province)
2004-06-20
Plans to lure Luna, the lonely orca, into a net pen have been called off until next week out of respect for the native culture (Bremerton Sun / TheSunLink.com)
2004-06-19
Luna the killer whale is quickly becoming Luna the legend to West Coast aboriginals living on Vancouver Island's secluded Nootka Sound (Victoria Times-Colonist)
2004-06-18
DFO: our operational team would like to do today is respect that the First Nations are practising their cultural traditions (The Toronto Star)
2004-06-18
First Nations interfered this week, by using their canoes to lead the orca away from the capture net (KOMO)
2004-06-18
DFO says the postponement is in deference to native culture (CBC)
2004-06-18
The plan to relocate a killer whale has turned into a cultural standoff between Department of Fisheries scientists and a native band in Nootka Sound (CTV News)
2004-06-18
Canadian officials hope to capture the orca, while natives use a softer approach, which seems to work (Bremerton Sun/TheSunLink.com)
2004-06-18
Aboriginals want friendly orca left alone; fisheries officials want it reunited with pod (Globe and Mail)
2004-06-18
The native people of Nootka Sound never wanted Luna to leave their territory along the coast of Vancouver Island (QCTimes.com)
2004-06-18
Luna briefly followed a yellow Zodiak-type boat being used to lure him into a floating pen on Nootka Sound (ABC News, Reuters)
2004-06-17
Luna followed a Department of Fisheries zodiac today with aboriginal protesters in pursuit, paddling canoes and singing. (CP)
2004-06-17
Luna is following a Department of Fisheries and Oceans zodiac back towards towards Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island (CBC)
2004-06-17
Aboriginals who used traditional canoes to lure Luna away from scientists had planned to hold him in a cove until the end of the summer (CP Canada East)
2004-06-17
Luna followed the canoes about 30 kilometres up Muchalat Inlet (Victoria Times Colonist)
2004-06-17
As authorities were preparing to capture Luna, members of a local native band led him 20 miles away.
2004-06-17
Fisheries will go ahead with capture despite the efforts of band members who say orca is the spirit of late chief
2004-06-17
Yesterday rescuers were set to help troubled killer whale find his family, but the orca had other plans
2004-06-17
A lone orca named Luna has not been captured yet
2004-06-16
The effort to reunite a lonely orca with its family was disrupted on Wednesday
2004-06-16
Plans to capture Luna the killer whale have been thwarted by First Nations protesters who have led the orca away from the net pen set to trap him
2004-06-16
Canadian officials said they plan to capture the 5-year old orca in the waters off British Columbia Wednesday around 2 p.m.
2004-06-16
This will be an important day for Luna
2004-06-16
A team of 25 experts were expected to be fully assembled this morning
2004-06-16
Two wooden Nuu-chah-nulth canoes will be out on the waters of Nootka Sound, trying to prevent the capture of Luna the killer whale
2004-06-16
Today, supposedly, is the beginning of a relocation for Luna the lonely killer whale
2004-06-16
Luna watched with interest yesterday as biologists assembled the net pen they hope to capture him in today
2004-06-16
Fishermen and boaters may be glad to see Luna relocated, but area Indians don't want him to go.
2004-06-15
Gold River community is divided on whether Luna should go
2004-06-15
A Vancouver Island First Nation is strongly opposed to the plan to capture Luna.
2004-06-15
On Wednesday, killer whale experts plan to have the orca follow a boat into a net pen near Gold River, B.C.
2004-06-15
Canadian officials have again delayed the start of efforts to reunite Luna
2004-06-14
Luna seemed mischievously unaware Monday of his upcoming eviction.
2004-06-14
Marine mammal scientists have gathered in Gold River
2004-06-14
Overly friendly orca is becoming a hazard, so he'll have to go
2004-06-14
The community that has embraced the whale for three years has mixed feelings about his departure
2004-06-14
Setting up the operation was "taking a little longer than expected."
2004-06-12
Relocation to start Monday
2004-06-10
Luna will be reunited with his pod
2004-06-10
DFO made announcement on Thursday
2004-06-10
Luna will be captured next week so he can be reunited with his family pod
2004-06-10
2004-06-10
Chance of natural reunion takes a dive, experts say
2004-06-08
Experts are waiting to see Luna's L-pod take up residence
2004-06-07
Vancouver Aquarium along with DFO are preparing to capture L98
2004-06-07
Officials are getting set to move Luna the lonely killer whale
2004-06-02
Searching for L Pod
2004-05-28
The soft approach of reuniting Luna with his pod is underway
2004-05-27
The trouble with whales is they don't use calendars and don't file travel plans.
2004-05-26
Crews were disappointed but not discouraged on Sunday
2004-05-25
Luna, the orphaned orca, has captured the hearts of all he meets
2004-05-24
About 20 killer whales spotted near Nootka Sound on Sunday were members of a transient pod
2004-05-23
It turns out a group of orcas swimming near Nootka Sound on Sunday are transients
2004-05-23
DFO has been practicing leading Luna with a small motorboat
2004-05-23
Experts would like to reunite a people-loving Orca nicknamed Luna with his pod
2004-05-22
It's a group effort this weekend to try to locate Luna's family.
2004-05-22
High winds, elusive whales thwart efforts to lead orca back to its family near Tofino
2004-05-22
A Canadian crew was on standby for this weekend with hopes of providing an opportunity to try and reunite a young whale with his U.S. relatives.
2004-05-22
A last-ditch attempt to lead Luna the killer whale out of Nootka Sound is likely to be made today.
2004-05-21
DFO is warming up its plan to reunite a killer whale with his family
2004-05-21
Plan A took a step forward recently when researchers located his family pod.
2004-05-20
The family of Luna, the orphaned orca, may be approaching Nootka Sound.
2004-05-19
So far the Vancouver Aquarium has raised $60,000
2004-05-14
Phone home L Pod -- we have your lost whale
2004-05-12
Marilyn Joyce: "We're at a critical junction"
2004-05-12
The plan to reunite a young killer whale with his US family is still on.
2004-05-12
Boaters on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border are being urged to help find the family of Luna
2004-05-12
The main concern is to spot his relatives as they return from the Pacific Ocean to their summer home in inland waters.
2004-05-11
Costly rescue effort has not received as much financial support as required
2004-05-11
Luna the lonely orca will be temporarily confined in a net pen in Pedder Bay.
2004-05-06
Reports from Gold River
2004-05-05
DFO and Vancouver Aquarium met with Tyee Hawiilth Mike Maquinna and his council on April 8th.
2004-05-02
Luna, the wayward orca lost off Vancouver Island for nearly three years, washed up on Capitol Hill this week.
2004-05-01
Orca Conservancy has accused the Canadian government of failing to prepare for the safest method of reuniting Luna with his family.
2004-04-30
The U.S. Navy will aid in the return of L-98 to its Southern Resident killer-whale pod this summer.
2004-04-18
Luna is getting some protection before he can be reunited with his pod.
2004-04-11
Killer Whale Luna May Reunite With Family
2004-04-08
Luna is going to get a new home -- whether he likes it or not.
2004-04-08
Service ready to help track Luna and intensify efforts to be quieter with sonar
2004-04-07
$500K needed
2004-04-07
Killer whale Luna to take a long truck ride back to his estranged pod off B.C. coast
2004-04-06
Removal from Nootka Sound in B.C. planned later in spring
2004-04-06
Luna will get a chance sometime by the end of the summer to reunite with his own kind.
2004-04-05
Canadian and U.S. agencies announced plans Monday for getting a lone orca out of Nootka Sound, where it has been cozying up to boats and float planes since separating from its pod in 2001.isting for Puget Sound orcas under the Endangered Species Act.
2004-04-05
Plans have been unveiled to reunite Luna the lonely killer whale with his pod in Juan de Fuca Strait later this year.
2004-04-05
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will announce on Monday how and when it intends to reunite Luna the lonely killer whale with his pod near Victoria.
2004-04-05
The fisheries department will take the wraps off its Luna relocation plan Monday in Vancouver.
2004-04-05
Plans to reunite Luna, the wayward killer whale, with his American pod will be announced Monday.
2004-04-03
Plans to reunite Luna, a U.S.-born killer, with his American pod will be announced Monday
2004-04-03
A plan is all but finalized to bring Luna the orca back to U.S. waters. Both U.S. and Canadian authorities are getting ready to roll out the plan.
2004-03-31
Finding a killer whale separated from its family and living alone was once unheard of.
2004-03-31
UW is looking for a few good, young 'scientists' for study
2004-03-30
While the gun was never used, the story illustrates how much public perception has changed towards orcas.
2004-03-05
DFO is pleased to announce the launch of killer whale recovery planning for the northern and southern resident populations as required by the Species At Risk Act.
2004-02-27
A five-year-old's drawings of orcas have raised over $400 to help reunite a lost orca from his pod.
2004-02-26
Killer whales are entitled to the protection of the courts, a judge said as he fined an American whale-watching guide $6,500 (US$4,875) for disturbing the marine mammals.
2004-02-10
Killer whales usually travel in groups, extended families called pods. But Luna was accidentally separated, and instead has sought out people.
2004-01-13
Scientists who study whales are starting to notice signs that these giant creatures may be exhibiting signs of what we humans would call culture. (video of Lun included)
2004-01-13
Killer whale researchers are celebrating the birth of a new baby orca in K Pod, one of the three orca clans that frequent Puget Sound.
2004-01-06
Push for reunion increases after orca receives injuries from human interaction
2003-12-24
The celebrity killer whale never learned to be truly free, but he demonstrated all that it meant to be tamed
2003-12-17
Tribes, Canada and the U.S. are watching over the killer whale
2003-12-16
There is a killer whale at Gold River isolated from other whales who has become fond of people and attracts their attention by rubbing against their boats and allowing children to pat him on the head.
2003-12-15
Keiko, the killer whale star of the Free Willy movies, was buried Monday in a snow-bound pasture during the deep darkness of Nordic winter in a ceremony kept secret from the public.
2003-12-15
SEATTLE - The death of the famous killer whale Keiko in Norwegian coastal waters should not affect plans to relocate a young killer whale from Canadian waters to his Washington home, a whale advocate said Friday.
2003-12-13
The whale, which was 27 years old, died after the sudden onset of pneumonia in the Taknes fjord in Norway on Friday afternoon. His animal-care specialist, Dane Richards, said the disease struck the cetacean fairly quickly
2003-12-12
When Ambrose Maquinna began to feel his time on earth coming to an end, he told the son who would succeed him as chief of the Mowachat/Muchalaht people that he wanted to come back as a killer whale.
2003-12-07
A man accused of taking the lumber to Luna will be in court in Gold River in January.
2003-12-03
Efforts will begin in the spring to relocate "Luna", a 4-year-old orca whale, who has been pestering boaters in Canada's Nootka Sound. The young killer whale will be transferred to more tropical digs in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
2003-11-05
The federal government has found $135,000 to relocate Luna the killer whale from Nootka Sound, but says the attempt won't be made until spring.
2003-11-01
Oblivious to the ongoing international discussions about his future, Luna the lost killer whale has settled down to fishing after a hectic tourist season in Canada's Nootka Sound.
2003-10-31
An isolated killer whale won't be reunited with his pod until the spring, despite an announcement Thursday that Ottawa will match U.S. funds for the move.
2003-10-31
Canada will match the money pledged by the U.S. government to reunite the wayward orca Luna with his whale family -- but the move will be delayed until spring, Canadian officials said yesterday.
2003-10-31
Ottawa has decided to chip in $135,000 to help pay to relocate Luna the killer whale from Gold River to Juan de Fuca Strait.
2003-10-30
Ottawa gives cash to relocate lonely orca, but pod reunion delayed
2003-10-30
Canada will contribute $103,000 to help return Luna the killer whale to his home waters in Washington state
2003-10-30
The move from Nootka Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island will not take place until spring.
2003-10-30
Where and how Luna the lonely orca is moved from Nootka Sound depends on how much money is available to do the job, said a Fisheries and Oceans spokeswoman on Monday.
2003-10-28
Fisheries service pledges $100,000, challenges Canada to match amount
2003-10-28
The life of Puget Sound's loneliest orca could soon be getting a bit brighter. Today a federal agency pledged at least a hundred thousand dollars to help return Luna to American waters, and Washington U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is calling on Canada to do the same.
2003-10-27
Now groups must create plan to join orca with pod
2003-10-27
Lonely Luna could soon be reunited with his orca family after U.S. officials pledged at least $100,000 toward his relocation at a press conference in Seattle Sunday.
2003-10-27
A Washington state politician is calling on Canadian authorities to match proposed U.S. funding for a project to reunite a lonely orca named Luna with his pod.
2003-10-27
The U.S. government on Sunday pledged at least $100,000 to help return killer whale Luna to American waters. The 4-year-old orca has been bothering boats in Canada for over two years.
2003-10-26
The U.S. government Sunday pledged at least $100,000 to help return killer whale Luna to American waters. The 4-year-old orca has been bothering boats in Canada for over two years.
2003-10-26
Hopes for an effort to reunite long-lost killer whale Luna with his American family this fall have been raised, lowered and raised again over the past few days - mostly over the question of money to move him from Canadian waters.
2003-10-25
U.S. officials are close to announcing funding to reunite Luna, a lonely orca, with its pod, BCTV on Global reported Friday.
2003-10-25
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is considering delaying the move of Luna the lonely killer whale until spring.
2003-10-24
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., wrote to NMFS officials this week, urging that a portion of her $1.5 million proposed funding for research and conservation efforts on Luna's U.S. pod be used to move Luna. The money has not yet been approved by Congress.
2003-10-23
Lack of cash could sink reunion of B.C. killer whale with its pod
2003-10-23
The fate of Luna the lonely orca may rest with one of three proposals under consideration by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
2003-10-16
Several proposals have been put forward in a bid to relocate an orca known for bumping noses with boats off Vancouver Island to the delight of tourists and horror of wildlife activists.
2003-10-16
Orca's return to family inches closer as officials begin weighing proposals
2003-10-15
The Vancouver Aquarium today will announce a proposal to help reunite Luna, the orphaned orca whale, with its family pod.
2003-10-15
At least three contenders were scrambling to respond by Tuesday's deadline to Canada's call for bids to move a juvenile killer whale who has been bothering Vancouver Island boaters since he got separated from his U.S.-based family.
2003-10-14
Tuesday was the deadline for environmental groups to make their proposals to rescue Luna the orca.
2003-10-14
Luna the lone whale has been an infamous freeloader in Nootka Sound for the past year. But his days there may be numbered. Note: This story now has a video file.
2003-10-14
If no one steps forward to move a lone orca so he can rejoin his pod, the extreme options left for Luna are captivity or euthanasia, scientists say.
2003-10-14
The clock runs out Tuesday for organizations with the expertise and deep pockets to move the four-year-old orca, but one group that's been watching Luna for more than a year says that's not enough time.
2003-10-13
The family of the stranded orca whale, Luna, put on quite a show just off the beach at Mukilteo Friday. The story has a great news clip and some wonderful video.
2003-10-11
I am non-native. If I called demanding you leave Luna alone because I believed my dead father's spirit lived in this orphan whale would you drop plans to reunite Luna with its family?
2003-10-09
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has unveiled its plans to re-unite Luna the lonely killer whale with his family in Juan de Fuca Strait.
2003-10-09
U.S. groups eager to reunite Luna the orca with his family in the San Juan Islands have asked the Vancouver Aquarium to take charge.
2003-10-09
The plan to move Luna - a 4-year-old killer whale that has been bothering boats in Canada since he got separated from his U.S. relatives over two years ago - got an airing here Wednesday at the waterfront Seattle Aquarium.
2003-10-09
As U.S. and Canadian officials and environmentalists met Wednesday night at the Seattle Aquarium they watched a short video of Luna the orca set to music. Marc Pakenham of the Luna Stewardship Project joked he hopes the next video is set to "I'll be Home for Christmas." NOTE: this story has a video report too!
2003-10-09
New pictures of Springer the orca show her reunited with her pod, living the life of a wild whale. Now scientists are wondering if the success of Springer could be duplicated for Luna, the orphaned whale in Nootka Sound, Canada.
2003-10-08
The plan to rescue Luna, Vancouver Island's orphaned killer whale, seems simple enough.
2003-10-08
Swim, Luna. They're coming for you.
2003-10-08
Natives oppose plan to return Luna to his pod
2003-10-08
A First Nations group on Vancouver Island says Luna the killer whale should not be moved, calling the orca a spiritual guide and protector.
2003-10-07
The Canadian government says that it has no money to move L98, Luna, to a position off south Vancouver Island, to link up with his home pod.
2003-10-07
Time and money are all that's holding up the rescue of the wayward killer whale.
2003-10-07
It's risky but right to reunite an orca with his family, which spends much of its time in Puget Sound.
2003-10-07
Canadian agency is looking into sending Luna to his family
2003-10-06
Vancouver Aquarium staff will meet early this week to detail a proposal to participate in the reunification of Luna, the wayward killer whale also known as L-98, with his pod.
2003-10-05
But Ottawa's plan to rescue killer whale sparks debate over tinkering with wildlife
2003-10-04
The newly released plan to move a killer whale from Nootka Sound south to Pedder Bay offers the young orca the best chance to reunite with his family, says a senior federal marine mammal scientist.
2003-10-04
Canada's 10-page plan for reuniting Luna the killer whale with his U.S.-based pod went out for bid yesterday, with an Oct. 13 deadline for applications from those willing to tackle the project.
2003-10-04
Canada is ready to reunite Luna the killer whale with its U.S.-based pod family, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced Friday, but the agency hasn't released details of how the move must be carried out.
2003-10-03
Plans to move Luna - the lonely orca living off the west coast of Vancouver Island - officially got underway Friday when the Fisheries Department announced it will accept proposals from companies willing to do the work.
2003-10-03
Many residents of Gold River say they're relieved that Luna, the orphaned killer whale, will soon be moved out of their area
2003-10-03
Canada and the United States are adamant that they will not put taxpayer money toward moving a solitary killer whale south to rejoin his family.
2003-10-03
After two years of inaction and weeks of official indecision, the Canadian government today plans to say a young American orca lost in the back bays of Vancouver Island should be reunited with his pod near the San Juan Islands.
2003-10-03
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has announced plans to reunite Luna – the lonely orca – with his pod in Juan de Fuca Strait.
2003-10-02
Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced Wednesday plans to attempt to reintroduce the four-year-old lonely orca of Nootka Sound, off Vancouver Island's west coast, with his U.S.-based pod in Juan de Fuca Strait.
2003-10-02
Canada will try to reunite a stray American killer whale with his family, but if no one volunteers to take on the reunion costs and complications, the orca could wind up in a tank.
2003-10-02
A lone killer whale off Canada's Pacific coast will be relocated back to U.S. waters, where it is hoped he will join his family, Canadian officials decided on Wednesday.
2003-10-01
Despite letters sent by the federal government announcing plans for the solitary orca, no decision has actually been finalized concerning the fate of Luna.
2003-10-01
SEATTLE – There is now a tentative plan to move Luna, the wayward whale, back to the area around the San Juan Islands.
2003-09-30
If the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans does move a stranded killer whale from the waters off Vancouver Island, it will farm out both the costs and relocation work.
2003-09-30
There are more delays in the plan to rescue Luna, the killer whale stranded in waters off British Columbia.
2003-09-30
A decision has been reached to catch Luna, the orphaned whale, who has been hanging around people and boats, and place him in a pen before moving him closer to his pod.
2003-09-29
This will be the make or break week for Luna, the orphaned orca, who's been on his own around Vancouver Island for two years. The final decision by Canadian authorities to intervene and move the whale is expected by the middle of the week.
2003-09-22
A scientific panel met this weekend to discuss the fate of a lonely killer whale that's been getting more and more friendly with its non-whale companions off the coast of the Gold River in British Columbia.
2003-09-22
Reports: Orca has been injured by boats, float plane
2003-09-20
The fate of a lonely killer whale off Canada's Pacific coast is expected to be resolved next week when officials decide whether to accept a plan to move the animal back to U.S. waters.
2003-09-19
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is expected to announce plans next week, to re-unite a lonely killer whale with his family pod.
2003-09-19
Canada is a giant step closer to rescuing a stranded killer whale. A key panel of scientists unanimously recommends reuniting Luna with his orca family in the San Juans. Note: KOMO News also has a video story on their site that has much more info.
2003-09-19
It's not clear how orca will be transported from Nootka Sound
2003-09-19
The scientific panel advising Canada on what to do with Luna the killer whale - a juvenile from a U.S.-based pod who's been going it alone in remote Canadian waters - has recommended an attempt at reuniting him with his family in U.S. waters.
2003-09-18
The juvenile killer whale from a U.S.-based pod has been going it alone for more than two years in a remote Vancouver Island inlet near Gold River.
2003-09-18
A collision with Luna ripped the rudder off a small sailboat Monday, disabling the craft, said Mark Pakenham, who oversees the Canadian fisheries department-financed Luna Stewardship Program, which monitors the whale from small boats.
2003-09-18
A decision on what to do with Luna the killer whale -- a juvenile from a U.S.-based pod who has been making it alone in remote Canadian waters -- could come as early as next week.
2003-09-18
Vancouver -- Luna, the lonely orca, is becoming a menace. Since becoming separated from its pod, it has been hanging out in the harbour of the Vancouver Island town of Gold River, where the orphaned male killer whale is interfering with boat traffic and float planes.
2003-09-13
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it will have to decide by the end of this month whether to relocate Luna, a solitary orca living in Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound, to his home pod in Juan de Fuca Strait.
2003-09-12
Luna the lovable orca may soon be reunited with its pod of whales.
2003-09-12
The fate of Luna, the 4-year-old wandering orca who for half his life has swum the waters solo around Vancouver Island, may soon be decided.
2003-09-11
Federal fisheries officials are keeping an eye on Luna the human-loving killer whale.
2003-09-09
Luna, the killer whale orphaned off the B.C. coast, has another injury.
2003-09-04
Luna, the lone orca that swims too close to boats around Vancouver Island, has reportedly suffered another injury.
2003-09-04
A killer whale living alone on the west coast of Vancouver Island has injured itself again, an environmental group said Wednesday.
2003-09-03
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.
2003-09-03
Luna’s condition: Fisheries and Oceans to assess damage to male orca living in Nootka Sound
2003-08-30
The orphan killer whale that has taken up residence off the west coast of Vancouver Island, has received a large 15-centimetre cut to his head.
2003-08-29
A lone orca living in Canada has been injured in an apparent collision with a boat on the west coast of Vancouver Island, prompting renewed calls to have the killer whale reunited with its relatives in Puget Sound.
2003-08-29
Cause of cut on orca's head unknown, but it's a 'red flag,' expert says
2003-08-29
An injury to the head of Luna, the solitary orca living in Gold River harbour on Vancouver Island, has added urgency to calls that he be relocated to his home pod in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
2003-08-29
Reports that stray killer whale Luna was injured in a collision with a boat propeller in Canada have bolstered concerns about the plight of the young animal, who's been separated from his U.S.-based family since summer 2001.
2003-08-28
A stranded orca whale living alone on the west coast of Vancouver Island may have been hurt, fisheries officials said yesterday.
2003-08-28
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Web site states: "From the smallest sea creature to the largest commercial fishing vessel, Fisheries and Oceans Canada works to manage and protect the Canadian marine environment." I don't think the DFO is working very hard.
2003-08-26
In the cold, dark, sovereign Canadian waters of Nootka Sound a political time bomb bobs below the surface, ready to blow.
2003-08-24
In advocating relocation for Luna, the P-I Editorial Board misrepresented how the Springer project was accomplished.
2003-08-23
Coalition of environmental groups helped save Springer
2003-08-21
Luna, the lonely killer whale, could soon be moved further away from people for her own protection. But the Department of Fisheries and Oceans says no decision has been made yet.
2003-08-21
An environmental group is outraged to learn yesterday that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans may place Luna, the friendly orca whale, in captivity.
2003-08-21
The solitary orca living off Vancouver Island's west coast was a little different from the rest of the whales right from the start.
2003-08-20
A judge has fined a second person for touching Luna, the orphaned orca living in the Gold River area on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
2003-08-20
It worked for Springer -- it's time for Luna.
2003-08-17
The Seattle Aquarium supports immediate efforts to return Luna, the wayward orca, from northern Vancouver Island.
2003-08-16
Maybe someday marine biologists will decipher the clicks and squeals of orca language. Until then, the debate whether to free the remaining captive orcas of the world will be for humans to decide.
2003-08-14
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial Board comments that Luna should be brought home.
2003-08-10
Activists have launched an online petition drive to persuade the Canadian government to try to reunite the orphan orca Luna with his whale family, or pod.
2003-08-03
The M/V Uchuck III pulls away from the dock and a gaggle of tourists streams toward the parking lot. Show's over. Luna is gone.
2003-08-01
Canadian officials say they should know in a week what's in store for Luna, the young orca whale from the San Juans, living alone off Vancouver Island.
2003-07-29
Canadian officials are dealing with a whale of a dilemma. What should they do with "Luna?" The young orca is removed from his family and is living in a remote BC inlet hundreds of miles away.
2003-07-28
Canadian officials are dealing with a whale of a dilemma. What should they do with "Luna?" The young orca is removed from his family and is living in a remote BC inlet hundreds of miles away.
2003-07-28
Luna the whale just won't leave Canada's Pristine Nootka Sound to rejoin his mother and his family known as L pod.
2003-07-28
Whale activists concerned about the future of a young American killer whale met here Friday, determined to press government officials on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border to help the orca rejoin the family he last saw more than two years ago.
2003-07-18
Department of Fisheries officials are looking into an incident in which one of their contractors is alleged to have swung a board and hit Luna, the lonely orca living in the waters of Nootka Sound.
2003-07-17
Even the most cynical must have entertained a chuckle at the news that Puget Sound's darling of the summer of '02 was back.
2003-07-15
There are new allegations that a government worker from Canada was caught beating an orphaned orca whale.
2003-07-15
The successful reintroduction of a Canadian killer whale rescued last year from Puget Sound has orca advocates pushing to have another orphaned whale brought back from Canada to the U.S.
2003-07-14
Whale researchers are rejoicing over the return of Springer, the rescued orphan killer whale, to Canadian waters, where she has been swimming with her orca relatives.
2003-07-11
A Canadian orca expert, Graeme Ellis, has confirmed reports that Springer has returned to British Columbia waters with her pod. She appears to be in good condition.
2003-07-10
Scientists tell KOMO 4 News that Springer, the once-orphaned orca who was repatriated with her family pod in the waters of Vancouver Island, has returned alive and well after several months at sea.
2003-07-09
The young orca from Washington that turned up lost in a remote Canadian waterway won't be getting any help finding his way back to reunite with his family, the Canadian government has decided.
2003-05-31
A modest baby boom has boosted the population of endangered Southern Resident killer whales off the coasts of Vancouver Island and Washington state.
2003-04-15
Like concerned family members, whale researchers are worried about Luna's diet, which includes junk food and beer.
2003-02-19
Charges have been laid against a Gold River woman for allegedly disturbing a young orca whale off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
2003-02-12
A British Columbia woman could face a huge fine for playing with a killer whale.
2003-02-12
The captain of the vessel that will locate the whale this day is known around here simply as Radar.
2003-01-31
Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, both D-Wash.
2002-10-17
YOU HAVE TO HAVE a little sympathy for the fisheries officials--American and Canadian--who find themselves stuck with lost baby killer whales.
2002-10-02
An orphaned Canadian killer whale made headlines last summer when she was plucked from busy Puget Sound and reunited with her family up north.
2002-09-29
Deep in remote Nootka Sound on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, B.C.
2002-09-15
Just when the excitement over the orphaned orca Springer died down, along comes Luna.
2002-08-31
Luna the killer whale is becoming too friendly for his own good.
2002-08-02
Tsaxana- Tyee Hawiih Yaalthuu’a, Mike Maquinna and his family members hosted a dinner at Waamiish Hall recently during the NTC Regular Meeting.
2002-08-01
The orphaned orca was released yesterday afternoon to join a pod of killer whales that swam by the mouth of the forested bay where she was penned.
2002-07-15
A two-year-old orca known as Luna has been swimming off the west coast of Vancouver Island for about a year, and CH TV's Jonathan Bartlett visited to find out more.
2002-07-06
Recently I had the privilege and honour of spending time with the permanent resident of Yuquot, Ray Williams in a recent trip to Yuquot.
2002-07-04
A last-minute change in plans will attempt to make Puget Sound's orphaned orca whale, Springer, swim into a floating net pen, while surrounded by a lot more commotion than she’s used to.
2002-06-13
Sen. Maria Cantwell opened the three-day Orca Recovery Conference with a plea yesterday for better protection of killer whales, whose numbers are dwindling due to pollution and other pressures.
2002-06-01
A tremendous amount of attention is focused on "Springer,” the young orphaned whale swimming near Vashon island.
2002-03-07
Scientists say a lonely killer-whale calf that has spent the past six months in a remote inlet on Vancouver Island's west coast is Luna, an orca presumed dead after disappearing from Puget Sound last summer.
2002-02-01
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has brought together an expert team of marine mammal scientists from the Vancouver Aquarium and the Center for Whale Research based out of Washington State to develop an action plan to protect a juvenile killer whale (orca) separated from its pod earlier last summer.
2002-01-30
Scientists Puzzle Over the Lone Whales in Puget Sound, B.C.
2002-01-30
Until scientists decipher the orca language, their real names -- if they have them -- will be heard only in the currents that swirl around the San Juan Islands. But henceforth humans will refer to the three babies born recently to the resident J, K and L pods as Alki, Tatoosh and Luna.
2000-10-26
Whale-watchers on San Juan Island yesterday saw members of a northern group of orcas that has not been seen this far south since researchers began recording their movements in 1976.
2000-09-09
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