Penn Cove Orca Capture Commemoration
Coupeville Wharf, Whidbey Island 

Tuesday August 8, 2017

Photos: Wallie Funk and Terry Newby

47 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 47th anniversary of the 1970 Penn Cove Orca Capture.

Please join us for a ceremonial boat trip onboard the Cutty Sark or 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. Special speakers for the boat trip include Howard Garrett and Dr. Kriss Kevorkian who will speak of 'Environmental Grief'. 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 1:00 to 5:00. After the boat trip at 5:00 there will be a waterside ceremony and special blessing on the dock by Rosie Cayou and Bill Bailey of the Samish Nation followed by a program including Howard Garrett of Orca Network and special guest Nickolaus Dee Lewis of the Lummi Tribal Council. 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.

 Schedule for the day:
1:00 to 5:00 - Educational Displays at Coupeville Wharf

3:00 to 5:00  - Water Ceremony at capture site. Reserve space on a boat or follow in your own boat or kayak

5:00 to 630  - Dock Ceremony and Program

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

Register Now!Register here for the ceremonial boat trip to the capture site