Yesterday, on NPR, I heard about Luna - an orca swimming off the west coast of Canada. He was separated from the rest of his pod three years ago, and now two groups are trying to woo him.
One group is the wildlife agency of the government, which has built special pens in which to capture him, and plan to drive him down the coast to reunite him with his pod. Their experts say that Luna calls out for his family members every hour or two, and retains the language of his pod.
The other group is members of a local tribe, who have successfully used their songs to attract Luna further north. They believe Luna to be the reincarnation of their last chief, who, before he died alluded to his return as an Orca. And soon after his death, Luna appeared.
The battle for Luna is very interesting to me. While I don't believe in reincarnation, it seems that the methods of the tribe members are admirable. And show a greater respect for the creature than penning him and driving him down the highway. (Driving! A marine mammal!)
I don't doubt that Luna wants to be reunited with his pod, but I am often frustrated by people's attempts to control nature, rather than working with it.
What are the tribe's plans for Luna? Perhaps, this time the feds are only trying to assist, rather than control, nature.(You know Mothers sometimes need help) But what took them so long?
That's one thing I'll be happy about - listening to NPR after a 2-year hiatus. Du-dum dudu dum...
Posted by: teri-mom at June 25, 2004 01:40 AMI think orcas should be allowed to be loners too.
Posted by: stef at June 25, 2004 11:58 AMOh good grief!!!
Save us all from ATC !!!!!!
I agree. Leave the poor guy alone.
Posted by: Hannah at June 28, 2004 01:04 PM