Appearance in Nootka Sound Luna (killer whale)

coastline of nootka sound

over winter of 2000-2001, 5 members of l-pod disappeared, considerably more typical mortality rate of 1 or 2 animals per year. among missing , presumed dead orcan, 25 years old , in prime. unusual losses of winter led speculation l-pod had been struck catastrophic event luna might have witnessed. common other members of pod, including uncles such orcan, babysit young killer whales. speculated luna might have been traveling orcan away rest of pod when orcan died. after luna did not reappear, declared dead local researchers. however, in july 2001, luna re-appeared alone in nootka sound on northern west coast of vancouver island, hundreds of kilometres other southern resident killer whale. year later, mowachaht/muchalaht people of northern vancouver island named l98 tsux iit after tribe s late chief, ambrose maquinna. mowachaht/muchalaht claimed because maquinna had declared after death wished return orca or wolf, appearance of luna 4 days after death symbolic , reincarnation.

plaque @ muchalat inlet, nootka sound

at first luna, wild killer whales, avoided boats , kept distance people. dfo tried keep luna s presence in nootka sound secret long possible avoid rush of visitors, , did not tell other scientists luna until december 2001, time had been there 6 months.

however, s attention diverted luna springer (a73), orphan calf, had turned alone in puget sound. springer became center of attention year.