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Saving Springer How NOAA helped an orca go home. Mark Sears. NOAA. Global Research and Rescue. Lesson 6. Homecoming. Homecoming What will you learn?. How Springer was moved to Canada What happened when she went home Did her pod accept her?. Homecoming Canadian team prepares.
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Saving SpringerHow NOAA helped an orca go home Mark Sears NOAA Global Research and Rescue Lesson 6. Homecoming
HomecomingWhat will you learn? • How Springer was moved to Canada • What happened when she went home • Did her pod accept her?
HomecomingCanadian team prepares • Release site selected • Dong Chong Bay • Many orcas likely to be in the area • Holding pen built NOAA
HomecomingThe trip north • July 13, 2002 • Springer’s going home • The whole world was watching… Why were so many people interested in Springer’s story? NOAA
HomecomingThe trip north • Catamaran leavesearly morning • Stopped for ice in Campbell River • First Nations band presents captain with mask NOAA
HomecomingWelcome home! • Arrive in Dong Chong Bay early evening • First Nations people greet her from a canoe • Wearing orca masks • Singing orca songs NOAA
HomecomingHome again! • Transferred from boat to pen • Chief welcomes her home in native language (Kwakiulth) • She starts hunting salmon in the net pen right away!
HomecomingReunion • Later that night… • Whales approach in the distance • She hears their calls… • And starts calling back to them
HomecomingReunion • The next day her pod, the A24s, comes by • Much sooner than expected • The team decides • It’s time to let her go! Global Research and Rescue
HomecomingReintegration Over the next weeks… • Scientists continue monitoring • Springer “adopted” by A51, who is from the A5 pod • Swims with other whales
HomecomingOne year later… • She returns with the A11 pod (her great-aunt’s pod) • The project is a success! Peggy Foreman
HomecomingNext Steps for Springer and Us • How is Springer today? • How are the other orcas today? • What did we learnfrom the project? PeggyForeman
HomecomingNOAA’s role • Scientists • Monitored during and after move • Tested and analyzed results • Managers • Worked with Canadian team to transfer Springer • Prepared for journey • Accompanied her on trip
HomecomingCommunity role • Orphan Orca Fund • Bought salmon for her pen at Dong Chong Bay • Raised money • First Nations • Presented mask • Caught salmon for her pen • Welcomed her home
HomecomingActivities • Moving a Whale • Comic strip