This is a developing story, more details will be published throughout the day. There are 32 member of the L-pod members that are alive – including an 89-year-old orca that some have claimed is Tokitae’s mother. It’s unclear whether Tokitae will ever be able to re-connect with her extended family in L-pod, one of three groupings within the Southern Resident population. Those removals caused less genetic diversity within the population – exacerbating the issues scientists have long noted harm the Southern Residents: a lack of food, shipping vessel noise and pollution. Before capturing orcas was outlawed roughly one-third of the Southern Residents were either removed or culled from the Salish Sea. The announcement comes at an interesting time, earlier this month a NOAA backed study showed that the Southern Resident killer whales are struggling in part, because of inbreeding. You have the opportunity to name the sounders! We're not talking about the soccer team, but the north Puget Sound gray whales. Your chance to name 5 whales in Puget Sound Sacred Sea, run by Ellie Kinley and Raynell Morris – Lummi tribal members – have been raising funds for years to construct an open sea pen that would allow Tokitae to swim in her natural waters, while still getting regular care. I am proud – and enthusiastic – to play a role in finally returning Lolita to her native Pacific Northwest."Ī detailed plan has not yet been released, though member of Friends of Lolita tell FOX 13 that a playbook has long been in development to make this move a reality. Irsay joined elected officials and nonprofit leaders on Tuesday, saying: "The story of Lolita the orca has been near and dear to my heart. That cost would likely be backed by a number of large financial backers including Pritam Singh, co-founder of Friends of Lolita and NFL owner Jim Irsay – a new name that emerged this week in this decades-long saga. Any plan would also have to be approved by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The cost to move Lolita will be monumental, initial estimates state it could be $15 million to $20 million. (Photo by: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) The audience at the Miami Seaquarium watching Lolita the killer whale at its 40th anniversary performance.
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