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Luna Inquest: An Orca's Horrible Death Must Not Be in Vain
posted on March 12, 2006
The Vancouver based ecology organization, Lifeforce, is calling for an "Orca Inquest" to find out why Luna was not saved. We hope that a full review of this tragedy will help protect other endangered orcas and solitary dolphins.
"Orcas must be protected and not ambushed as a result of political "incorrectness" and government inaction. Luna's death must not be in vain," stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "There should be a public review not an in-house cover up by those involved. Lifeforce will be sending a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other politicians to ask them to form an independent committee similar to a Coroner's Inquest relating to human deaths. Orcas are sentient, intelligent creatures with their own culture that we must respect."
Imagine being ripped apart by a huge boat propeller. This was an excruciating death. Luna did not die in peace. Such a death was predictable and preventable. This was evident in view of a recent boat collision with Luna resulting in approximately ten propeller cuts. Was there an emergency plan to closely monitor him?
"It was bad enough that a "system" would fail but there is no system to protect such lone orcas. There isn't even an official Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) response team for such emergencies and stranding," added Hamilton, "For 8 years it was Lifeforce that protected a lone False killer whale near Vancouver."
The Southern Community's Luna was first discovered in 2001 in Nootka Sound after being separated from his family. When the Northern Community's Springer was separated from her family and found in Puget Sound she was successfully reunited in 2002. Why didn't this happen for Luna and his endangered family? Both Luna and Springer were normal young orcas. Luna followed and rubbed against boats to fulfill behavioural and social needs. Given the opportunity Luna would have chosen orcas not boats.
For further information: Peter Hamilton 604-649-5258
Please send letters to:
Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
Layton.J@parl.gc.ca
Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca
maquinna@yuquot.ca
Regan.G@parl.gc.ca
Gordon.Campbell.mla@leg.bc.ca
Carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca
Martin.P@parl.gc.ca
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