Penn Cove Orca Capture Commemoration Coupeville Wharf, Whidbey Island

Wednesday August 8, 2018

Photo: Jill Hein

Penn Cove Orca Capture Commemoration

48 years ago over 100 Southern Resident orcas were herded into Penn Cove off Whidbey Island, WA. Seven of the young whales were netted and delivered to marine parks around the world. All but one had died by 1987. Originally named Tokitae, they now call her Lolita. In memory of the nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington State, and the 13 orcas killed during the captures, and in honor of Tokitae, the sole survivor, Orca Network is sponsoring a series of events on Tuesday August 8th to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the 1970 Penn Cove Orca Capture.

Please join us for a ceremonial boat trip onboard the Suva from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We'll travel to the capture site in Penn Cove for a wreath ceremony to remember the orcas killed in the capture, and those who have died in captivity. If you have your own boat or kayak you are welcome to join us in Penn Cove for a procession to the capture site. We'll provide flowers and cedar sprigs to toss into the water, or you may bring your own flower or other eco-friendly offering to toss in the water during the ceremony. Cost for the boat trip is $50.

Prior to the boat trip, check out our Orca Network displays and information about Tokitae and the Penn Cove capture, available at the Coupeville Wharf from 2:00 to 5:00. The day will also include a waterside ceremony followed by a program including Howard Garrett and Susan Berta of Orca Network. Light snacks will be served. The event on the Wharf is free to the public, though contributions to support Orca Network's educational programs and work on orca captivity issues are appreciated.

Contact Orca Network at cindy@orcanetwork.org or check out our website www.orcanetwork.org for more information.