It’s official: An agreement is in place to bring Tokitae, a Southern Resident killer whale also known as Lolita, home to the Pacific Northwest after she was forcefully removed from a cove near Whidbey Island more than 50 years ago.
The movement, once thought impossible, could happen within 18 to 24 months.
Irsay joined elected officials and nonprofit leaders on Tuesday, saying: "The story of Lolita the orca has been near and dear to my heart. I am proud – and enthusiastic – to play a role in finally returning Lolita to her native Pacific Northwest." 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. Before capturing orcas was outlawed roughly one-third of the Southern Residents were either removed or culled from the Salish Sea.
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