Twenty years ago a young orca named Springer was discovered near Seattle — lost, alone and 300 miles away from home. Six months later she was rescued, rehabilitated and returned to her pod on the north end of Vancouver Island. Today she is thriving, with two calves of her own. It’s the only successful orca reunion in history.

On May 22 at 2 p.m. in The Forum at Town Hall Seattle, join KNKX for Orca Rescue!, a special event featuring a presentation and discussion with members of Springer’s team, hosted by KNKX Environment Reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Hear the story firsthand from the people who lived it, and learn how you can help orcas today. The event is free and family friendly, and will include an audience Q&A. All ages are welcome. Attend in person or livestream the event. Registration is available at knkx.org/springer.

Panelists include The Whale Trail Founder/Executive Director and author Donna Sandstrom; Lynne Barre, Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries; Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard, Senior Scientist at Raincoast Conservation Foundation; and Chief Bill Cranmer and Ernest Alfred (Namgis First Nation).

Sandstrom tells Springer’s story in a new middle-grade nonfiction book, Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer (Kids Can Press 2021). Elliott Bay Book Company will be on site selling copies of Orca Rescue! and Sandstrom will sign books after the event.

KNKX invites attendees to ask questions about Springer’s story in advance. Leave a message on the Springer Hotline at 206-260-1080 or submit a written question here.

Doors open at 1 p.m. For the safety of Town Hall’s patrons, employees and presenters, masks and proof of vaccination status (or negative COVID-19 PCR test, within 72 hours prior to attendance) are required through May 31, 2022. KNKX will be checking vaccination status at the door. Documentation of vaccination status must be accompanied by a valid ID.

Share This