In British Columbia, a new effort is in motion to help a young orca find its way from a bay back to the Pacific Ocean, with a notable addition to the rescue team - a renowned violinist.
As per The Canadian Press, this orca has found itself isolated in a British Columbia bay north of Vancouver Island for the past month. The initial rescue attempt kicked off last Friday, with over fifty individuals rallying to guide the orca into shallower waters for capture in a large tarp and subsequent ocean transport. Unfortunately, this initial effort fell short of success, but hopes remain high for the upcoming endeavors.
A Violinist Steps into the Rescue Effort
Carol Love, a violinist from Nanaimo, British Columbia, is among the growing list of volunteers. On Thursday, April 18, Love ventured to use her musical talents to lure the orca, aiming to guide it through a narrow channel passing under a bridge to reach the Pacific. Love played her violin atop the bridge during the tide, hoping the similarity between her violin sounds, and orca calls would draw the young mammal nearer. "Many of the sounds of my violin are akin to those of orcas, so I hoped it would resonate with them and be persuaded to come closer," Love remarked, as quoted by CBC News.
The venture didn't achieve the desired outcome despite Love's effort and the momentary sighting of the orca near the bridge. The orca remained out of reach, thwarting attempts to net and relocate it to more suitable oceanic living conditions.
The Young Orca's Plight
The orca's predicament began in late March when it was spotted alongside its mother. The duo entered a shallow bay, and after the tide receded, the mother orca couldn't escape, leaving the younger one stranded and unreachable ever since. Rescue attempts to coax it towards its pod have been ongoing but to no avail.
The Ehattesaht Indians, locals of the nearby bay area, have christened the orca Kwiisahiis, translating to "Little Brave Hunter."
Source: PAP/The Canadian Press
