Orca Network to remember Penn Cove roundup with ceremony

Orca Network will honor the 44th anniversary of Lolita the orca’s capture from Penn Cove with several events. To be held Friday, Aug. 8, they are being put on in memory of nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington, the 13 orcas killed during the roundups and in honor of Lolita, according to a news release. Also known as Tokitae, Lolita is currently owned by Miami Seaquarium and is the last living orca from the captures.

August 1, 2014 6:34 pm
Orcas swim in a floating corral during the 1970 Penn Cove roundups. Orca Network will hold a ceremony for the 44th anniversary of the round up on Friday
Orcas swim in a floating corral during the 1970 Penn Cove roundups. Orca Network will hold a ceremony for the 44th anniversary of the round up on Friday

Orca Network will honor the 44th anniversary of Lolita the orca’s capture from Penn Cove with several events.

To be held Friday, Aug. 8, they are being put on in memory of nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington, the 13 orcas killed during the roundups and in honor of Lolita, according to a news release. Also known as Tokitae, Lolita is currently owned by Miami Seaquarium and is the last living orca from the captures.

The day’s events begin with a sail on Penn Cove aboard Captain John Stone’s Cutty Sark ketch from noon-1:30 p.m., departing from the Captain Whidbey Inn near Coupeville. The sail will include a wreath ceremony at the orca capture site, talks about the captures from Stone, who has many stories, and from Howard Garrett of Orca Network.

Tickets cost $50 and space is limited, though the public can attend on their own boats or kayaks.

Following the sail, Orca Network will gather from 4-4:45 p.m. aboard the Tokitae ferry as walk-on passengers to learn more about the 1970s captures and Lolita. Whidbey Islanders will walk on to the 4 p.m. Tokitae sailing from the Clinton Ferry Terminal, and those from the mainland can board the 4:30 p.m. Tokitae sailing from Mukilteo for the ride back to Whidbey.

Finally, from 5-7:30 p.m. the procession will meet at the Clinton Community Hall for food, drink, and presentations. Author Sandra Pollard of Freeland will read from her new book, “Puget Sound Whales for Sale,” and Howard Garrett of Orca Network will give an update on efforts to bring Lolita back to Washington.

Displays, music, and more will be offered during this event; admission is $25.

For details, email Orca Network at info@orcanetwork.org or call 360-331-3543 to reserve space on the Cutty Sark sail or to RSVP for the evening event.