Événement

Celebrate Springer! The true story of how an orphaned orca went home.

Twelve years ago, an orphaned orca (Springer, or A-73) appeared in Puget Sound. She was lost, alone, and 300 miles away from home. Six months later, she was rescued, rehabilitated and returned to her pod near the north end of Vancouver Island. Last year, she was observed with her first calf. It is the only successful orca reintroduction in history, and local residents played a key part in it!

How is Springer doing now? Why did this project succeed where others failed? What can we learn from this project that can help orcas now?

Join us to hear the inspiring true story of the little whale who went home, and help us celebrate the 12th anniversary of her first appearance in Puget Sound!

Mark Sears, a local orca researcher, was the first person to confirm Springer's sighting, and monitored here closely while she was in the Sound. Donna Sandstrom organized community efforts to support the project, and reunions in 2007 and 2012. Inspired by Springer's success, Donna founded The Whale Trail in 2008, with many members of Springer's team.

This is the first in a new series of Orca Talks, hosted by The Whale Trail in West Seattle. The event also features updates from Laura James (tox-ick.org) and Robin Lindsey (Seal Sitters).