06/14/2006: "Summer Solstice Orca Symposium"

On Saturday June 17th from 10 AM to 4 PM The Whale Museum will host a mini-symposium on orcas. The "Summer Solstice Orca Symposium" is being offered in association with the "Orca Sing"celebration at Lime Kiln Point State Park that evening.

The morning session from 10 am to noon will offer 30 minute presentations by Southern Resident orca researchers Dr. Bob Otis, Dr. David Bain, and other regional investigators who have been studying the local whales.

The afternoon session from 2 PM until 4:30 will be devoted to tracing the life of Luna (L-98), the Southern Resident orca calf who became separated from his family on the outer coast of Vancouver Island in 2002. Luna spent four years in Nootka Sound until he was tragically killed last March in an accident with a tug boat. Astrid van Ginneken from the Center for Whale Research will share her observations of Luna's birth and his short time in local waters before he became separated from his pod. Then, Soundwatch director, Kari Koski will share her experiences working with the Luna Stewardship Program in Nootka Sound, and finally videographers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit will share their documentation of Luna's life in Nootka Sound up to the day of his tragic accident.

There will be a special requiem to Luna at the Orca Sing at Lime Kiln Point State Park from 7 PM to dusk.