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Orca Whale Arrives in Cordova
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On July 11, 2000, an orca whale beached and
subsequently died in Hartney Bay, five miles southwest of Cordova.
The whale was later identified as Eyak, a member of the transient AT1
group, also referred to as the Prince William Sound transients.
Eyak, along with another male, were frequent visitors of Orca Inlet and
were commonly seen cruising around together.
In the days preceding his death, Eyak and/or another
orca were spotted by various witnesses in the area, displaying peculiar
behavior. It was first reported on the 9th, that a whale was beached on
Mummy Island, but this whale was able to get back into the water that
evening. On the morning of the 11th, Eyak was seen swimming very slowly near
Orca Cannery, three miles north of Cordova. Later that morning, another
observer saw Eyak feeding near Hartney Bay just before he beached himself.
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When news of the stranded whale reached the
Science Center and the Forest Service, folks went out there to help him through the tide
cycle. Wet blankets were draped over his back throughout the afternoon.
Despite everyone's efforts, he passed away around 4:30 that day.
Blubber samples were collected for researchers at the North
Gulf Oceanic Society, for analysis of
contaminant levels and genetic research. A year later, an article in the
Anchorage
Daily News, revealed probable causes of Eyak's death. |
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It was quickly decided that the skeleton of the whale
should be salvaged and re-articulated for educational purposes. In a
collaborative effort of the PWSSC, the Native Village of Eyak,
and the USDA Forest Service,
this project has been underway ever since. There
has been a great effort by all involved to collect and clean the bones.
Once re-articulated, Eyak's skeleton will be displayed in the Native
Village of Eyak's arts center. |
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