The Orca Networks Langley Whale Center is preparing to unveil a groundbreaking interactive exhibit dedicated to Tokitae, a Southern Resident orca whose remarkable life story captured hearts worldwide. The exhibit, titled "Toki's Legacy," will open its doors on August 30 at 11:00 a.m. with free admission for all visitors. Tokitae was captured from Penn Cove in August 1970 and spent 53 years in captivity before her death in 2023, making her one of the longest-surviving orcas in human care.
The comprehensive exhibit was made possible through generous funding from the Washington Maritime Heritage Foundation. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore every aspect of Tokitae's extraordinary journey, from her family connections and life experiences to detailed information about her natural habitat in Pacific Northwest waters. The display also features authentic artifacts from the historic Penn Cove capture, providing visitors with a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in marine mammal history.
Howard Garrett, Co-Founder and President of Orca Network, emphasized the deeper significance of Tokitae's story beyond her individual experience. "Toki's story is worth telling by itself, because she had such a remarkable spirit and ability to draw together people from all walks of life to work toward her release, throughout her lifetime," Garrett explained. "But what makes this exhibit really special is how it tells the bigger picture of her story, from the relationship of Salish people to the Southern Resident orcas, to Toki's L-pod family members who still make their home in Pacific Northwest waters, to the salmon and ecosystem that tie us all together."
A unique component of the tribute extends beyond the whale center to the waters of Puget Sound itself. The Washington State ferry Tokitae, which was named in honor of the beloved orca, now features a specially commissioned mural created by artist Kaarina Makowski. This stunning artwork is permanently installed in the vessel's passenger cabin, accompanied by educational panels that provide detailed information about Tokitae, her extended family, and the lasting impact of the widespread orca captures that occurred throughout Puget Sound during the 1960s and 1970s.
The exhibit sheds light on a dark chapter in marine mammal history known as the Capture Era, during which nearly one-third of the entire Southern Resident orca population was removed from their natural habitat and transported to marine parks and aquariums across the country. This massive disruption to the orca community resulted in a significant loss of genetic diversity, which continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing the Southern Resident population today. The captures not only separated family members but also removed crucial knowledge and social structures that are essential for the survival of these highly intelligent marine mammals.
For those interested in learning more about "Toki's Legacy" and planning their visit to this meaningful tribute, additional information and resources are available at www.orcanetwork.org. The exhibit represents a powerful opportunity for visitors to connect with Tokitae's inspiring story while gaining a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between humans, orcas, and the marine ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest.
