Sequim marine veterinarian says sick orca thriving in Johnstone Strait

SEQUIM — “Springer,” the 5½-year-old orca found sick and alone in Puget Sound in 2002, is thriving in Johnstone Strait off the east coast of Vancouver Island with seven other whales, according to a health report released recently.

“The rehabilitation and relocation of [Springer] is unprecedented and an unequivocal success,” states the report, signed by Sequim marine veterinarian Pete Schroeder.

“She is a normal orca in her natural environment.”

Springer, also known as “A73,” was found swimming alone in January 2002 between the Vashon Island and Southworth ferry terminals.

She was underweight and showed evidence of a poor diet, had bad skin and had developed an affinity for small boats and the ferry.

She had apparently been born north of Vancouver Island in British Columbia and orphaned before making her way to Puget Sound, according to Project Seawolf, a marine protection group.

Orca not accepted

The problem was that, as a member of the northern orca population, she was not accepted by the southern whale group.

The two populations are genetically, reproductively and linguistically isolated from one another.

After a period of rehabilitation, Springer was moved to Johnstone Strait in July 2002, where she joined a pod of orcas.

Schroeder’s report comes from observations made in August.

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