SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A memorial is being held this weekend to honor the late orca Tokitae on the one-year anniversary of her death.
The Orca Network says the event will take place on Sunday at Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island. That’s the area where nearly the entire Southern Resident Orca population gathered the day before and the day of Tokitae’s death on Aug. 18, 2023.
Tokitae was held in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium ever since her capture off Whidbey Island more than 50 years ago. The Southern Resident died unexpectedly just as plans were being made for her return to her home waters.
Sunday’s memorial is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and the public is welcome to join.
Participants are asked to bring camp chairs, water bottles, talents to share – like singing, poetry or music – and their good intentions.
The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
