New Whidbey Island exhibit honors famed orca Tokitae

The Langley Whale Center plans to unveil “Toki’s Legacy,” an interactive exhibit honoring Tokitae, an orca who died in 2023 after 53 years in captivity. Known also as Lolita, Tokitae belonged to the Southern Resident orca population's L-pod, and her unexpected death occurred just before she could be returned to the Salish Sea, despite significant advocacy from the Lummi Nation. The exhibit will provide insights into Tokitae’s life and family, featuring artifacts from her capture in Penn Cove in 1970. Visitors can explore various aspects of her existence, highlighting the broader issues of captivity and conservation. Admission to the whale center is free, encouraging community engagement and education.

The center operates year-round, aiming to promote awareness about orca conservation and the significance of preserving marine ecosystems. This exhibit is particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions around the ethical treatment of marine animals in captivity. The local community is likely to engage more deeply with these issues as a result of the exhibit's launch.