1. Saving Springer How NOAA helped an orca go home Lesson 6. Homecoming Mark Sears NOAA Global Research and Rescue

2. Homecoming What will you learn? How Springer was moved to Canada What happened when she went home Did her pod accept her?

3. Homecoming Canadian team prepares Release site selected Dong Chong Bay Many orcas likely to be in the area Holding pen built NOAA

4. Homecoming The trip north July 13, 2002 Springer’s going home The whole world was watching… Why were so many people interested in Springer’s story? NOAA

5. Homecoming The trip north Catamaran leaves early morning Stopped for ice in Campbell River First Nations band presents captain with mask NOAA

6. Homecoming Welcome home! Arrive in Dong Chong Bay early evening First Nations people greet her from a canoe Wearing orca masks Singing orca songs NOAA

7. Homecoming Home again! Transferred from boat to pen Chief welcomes her home in native language (Kwakiulth) She starts hunting salmon in the net pen right away!

8. Homecoming Reunion Later that night… Whales approach in the distance She hears their calls… And starts calling back to them

9. Homecoming Reunion The next day her pod, the A24s, comes by Much sooner than expected The team decides It’s time to let her go! Global Research and Rescue

10. Homecoming Reintegration Over the next weeks… Scientists continue monitoring Springer “adopted” by A51, who is from the A5 pod Swims with other whales

11. Homecoming One year later… She returns with the A11 pod (her great-aunt’s pod) The project is a success! Peggy Foreman

12. Homecoming Next Steps for Springer and Us How is Springer today? How are the other orcas today? What did we learn from the project? PeggyForeman

13. Homecoming NOAA’s role Scientists Monitored during and after move Tested and analyzed results Managers Worked with Canadian team to transfer Springer Prepared for journey Accompanied her on trip

14. Homecoming Community role Orphan Orca Fund Bought salmon for her pen at Dong Chong Bay Raised money First Nations Presented mask Caught salmon for her pen Welcomed her home

15. Homecoming Activities Moving a Whale Comic strip