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British Columbia: Luna Setup Complete, Capture To Proceed |
| June 15, 2004 |
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
 | Rescue crew place the finishing touches today on three floating net pens to be used in the Luna operation.
Photo: Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard |
The sun emerged over Gold River today after three days of heavy rain, providing the Luna rescue crew with an opportunity to complete their setup of the three floating net pens that will be used to hold and care for the juvenile killer whale.
After a series of altercations last week between Luna and local vessels in Gold River, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) authorized the relocation of Luna (L98) to the Strait of Juan de Fuca as part of an attempt to reunite the solitary whale with his family group, L-pod. The earliest possible capture day continues to be Wednesday, June 16, although it may take several days for Luna to become accustomed to the nets, boat and people involved in the operation.
The rescue crew, headed by Clint Wright, the Vancouver Aquarium’s Vice-President of Operations, will work slowly and calmly to keep Luna at ease. Luna’s safety, and the safety of the crew, remain the most important priority.
Temporary Home
Now that the setup of the net pens is complete, the rescue crew continues to practice closing the largest of the three net pens - just as they will do when Luna follows his favorite boat into the pen. Termed the “hex” pen, this floating net pen is big enough for both the boat and whale and has a large section that can be opened and closed.
Arrangements are currently being finalized for a crane to lift Luna out of the hex pen and into a smaller second pen, measuring 50’ by 50’, where he will be held for several days while awaiting medical clearance. The Vancouver Aquarium’s veterinarian, Dr. David Huff, and a team of experts from DFO and the Province of BC will perform the medical examinations shortly after Luna is moved into the second net pen.
The third pen will house Luna’s food supply during his temporary residence in the net pens: a good supply of live, wild-caught salmon, to be delivered and replenished by a local commercial fisherman.
Costly Operation
The largest challenge still facing the operation continues to be a lack of complete funding. In order to give Luna the best possible chance for a reunion with his pod, DFO and the Aquarium agreed to begin the operation, even though the fund-raising campaign was $60,000 short of its goal.
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a self-supporting, non-profit organization, which cannot afford to fund the remaining shortfall. To date, the US and Canadian governments have each contributed $130,000, and the Aquarium has received an additional $60,000 in cash funding and another $290,000 of in-kind donations. While the Aquarium is grateful for the support of donors who are committed to helping Luna reunite with his pod, an urgent appeal is being made to potential donors who may have been waiting until the operation began to make a donation. Donations may be made on through the Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation website or by calling 1-800-663-0562.
Luna has resided at the mouth of Gold River in Nootka Sound since 2001, and his antics are creating a safety concern for both Luna and the public. Based on its reputation as a leader in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, the Vancouver Aquarium was selected by DFO to lead the capture and relocation effort.
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