News Releases

Today, September 19, is a day that could have been a celebration. Instead, it is a day that many people will take a moment and think about a small whale that brought people around the world a little closer.

Luna (L98) was born on September 19, 1999. He was tragically killed on March 10, 2006 when a large propeller from a boat struck him. Luna was an orca whale who was separated from his pod for about four years. He made his home in Nootka Sound, on the west coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island, about 200 km north of the summers waters of his L Pod family.

No one will ever know why Luna was separated from his pod, but we do know that he called for them almost every day. Luna was a resident orca, a species that normally spends their entire lives with their mother. Luna survived without the nurturing of other orcas.

Luna was a lightening rod for attention. He brought together people from around the world whom all wanted one thing for him: to reunite him with his pod. Unfortunately, the Canadian Government, who is responsible for marine mammals, was unable to reunite Luna despite their promises to do so.

Luna had an amazing spirit. It is with this spirit of hope that we ask that you take a moment and honour Luna.