Capture, Rescue & Release Timeline

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The following is a timeline of all known successful and attempted captures, rescues and releases of killer whales. A timeline of killer whale hunting and accidental killings can be found here, and a timeline of accidental standings can be found here. Unfortunately information about many killer whale captures isn't available, so this timeline is far from complete. Information will be added or updated as it becomes available.

**Events are put into the following categories:**

* **Live Capture -** when a killer whale is taken out of the wild for the explicit purpose of entertainment, scientific research, conservation or public display. Rescues that result in killer whales being deemed non-releasable are not considered captures.
* **Rescue -** when an injured, sick, orphaned or otherwise impaired killer whale is taken out of the wild for the explicit purpose of rehabilitation. This includes stranded animals that are taken into captivity. Intentional standings caused by humans, such as drive hunts, are not listed as rescues.
* **Release -** when a killer whale that was formally held in captivity is released into the wild.
* **Escape -** when a killer whale that was formally held in captivity escapes from captivity.

***Note:** escapes and releases that happened shortly after capture are not considered separate events.*

**Jump to year:**

* 1968
* 1974
* 1980
* 1986
* 2003
* 2013
* 2021
* 1969
* 1975
* 1981
* 1987
* 2004
* 2014
* 1970
* 1976
* 1982
* 1989
* 2006
* 2015
* 1971
* 1977
* 1983
* 1992
* 2007
* 2016
* 1972
* 1978
* 1984
* 1997
* 2010
* 2018
* 1973
* 1979
* 1985
* 2002
* 2012
* 2019

## 1961

### **November**

***Opportunistic Live Capture, November 18th -** 1 offshore killer whale was opportunistically captured in **Newport Harbor, California**, and taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Wanda

## 1962

### **September**

***Live Capture Attempt, Date Unknown -** an attempt was made to capture 2 Northern or Southern Resident killer whales in **Haro Strait, San Juan Island, Washington** by the capture boat **Geronimo**. 1 whale was killed and another escaped.*

**Killed:**

* *An unnamed adult female - roped with a lasso and later shot to death during capture. Her body was towed to **Bellingham, Washington** and turned into dog food.*

**Escaped:**

* *An unidentified adult male - shot during capture but survived and escaped.*

## 1964

### **July**

***Live Capture, July 16th -** a Southern Resident killer whale from J Pod was harpooned near **East Point, Saturna Island, British Columbia**. The whale was accompanied by several other members of J Pod. After hours of struggling to keep their pod mate alive, the other whales left. The harpooned whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Moby Doll - was towed to Burrard Dry Dock in Vancouver several hours after being harpooned, and arrived the next day. The harpoon was removed after arrival.

## 1965

### **June**

***Accidental Live Capture, June 23rd -** 2 Northern Resident killer whales from C1 Pod were accidentally netted in **Warrior Cove, British Columbia** by the fishing boat **Bounty Hunter**. 1 whale escaped while 1 was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Namu - moved out of the net and into a sea pen on June 26th. The sea pen was towed to Seattle. Initially referred to in media as "Romeo".

**Escaped:**

* C15 "Juliet" - escaped net on June 25th

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture Attempt, October 29th -** an attempt was made to net 3 killer whales from an unknown ecotype near **Fox Island, Washington** by the capture boats **Chinook** and **Golden Gate** as well as a helicopter. During the hunt 1 adult female was harpooned. As they tried to seine net the whales, the whales swam under the nets. The harpooned female became entangled in the attempt but managed to freed herself. All 3 whales ultimately escaped.*

**Escaped:**

* *An unidentified adult female*
* *2 unidentified killer whales*

————

***Live Capture Attempt, October 30th -** an attempt was made to capture a killer whale in **Henderson Bay, Washington**. 1 adult female was shot with a tranquilizer and killed. Although Ted Griffin initially claimed responsibility for the whale's death, it was actually Merrill Spencer who killed her.*

**Killed:**

* *An unnamed adult female - her body was given to **Seattle Rendering Works** for disposal.*

————

***Live Capture, October 31st -** 2 Southern Resident killer whales, a mother and a female calf, were captured in **Carr Inlet, Washington**, after a 17-hour chase by the capture boats **Chinook** and **Golden Gate**. The adult female was harpooned and died from her injuries the following day. The female calf was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Shamu - transferred the following day to Namu's winter sea pen in Rich Cove.

**Killed:**

* Shamu's Mother - died from harpoon injuries the following day. Her body was discarded near **Fox Island, Washington**.

## 1966

### **January**

***Live Capture Attempt, January 5th -** at least 1 killer whale from an unknown ecotype was seine netted in **Penn Cove, Washington** by the capture boat **Chinook**. 1 adult female killer whale escaped on January 9th.*

**Escaped:**

* *An unidentified female killer whale - moved to a sea pen in Penn Cove and escaped on January 9th.*

————————

### **July**

***Live Capture Attempt, July 18th -** 1 killer whale from an unknown ecotype was netted in **Fraser River, British Columbia**. It struggled to escape for hours, and other killer whales, presumably from the same pod, attempted to help them. 1 juvenile killer whale was killed, and 13 other killer whales escaped.*

**Killed:**

* *An unnamed juvenile killer whale - drowned in the net after a 2-hour struggle.*

**Escaped:**

* *13 unidentified killer whales*

## 1967

### **February**

***Live Capture, February 15th -** 15 Southern Resident killer whales from K Pod were captured at 6:00 PM in **Yukon Harbor, Washington**. 3 whales died while 5 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Katy - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor until February 24th and then moved to the [[Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Ramu - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor until February 25th and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Kilroy - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor until March 2nd and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Kandu - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor until March 2nd and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Skana - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor until March 4th and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.

**Killed:**

* *An unnamed male killer whale - 6.98 m, 4554 kg*
* *An unnamed female killer whale - 5.79 m, 2540 kg*
* *An unnamed male killer whale - 3.845 m, 1031 kg*

**Released:**

* *7 unidentified killer whales*

————————

### **July**

***Accidental Live Capture, July 25th -** 1 Northern Resident killer whale from the I11 Pod was accidentally netted in **Port Hardy, British Columbia**, by fishermen looking for sockeye salmon. The whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Orky

## 1968

### **February**

***Live Capture, February 19th -** 11 Southern Resident killer whales were captured in **Vaughn Bay, Washington** using the capture boat **Pacific Maiden**. 2 whales were taken into captivity and the remaining whales escaped or were released. 3 of the whales not taken into captivity were adult males.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Lupa - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium by March 2nd, possibly March 1st.
* Hugo - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium by March 2nd, possibly March 1st.

**Escaped:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales - escaped on February 23rd.*

**Released:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales - released February 23rd*
* *6 unidentified killer whales - released on or after February 23rd*

————

***Live Capture, February 21st -** 3 killer whales, possibly Northern Residents, were trapped in **Garden Bay, British Columbia**, near **Pender Harbor**. They would be secured the following day. 1 whale was taken into captivity and the remaining whales escaped or possibly passed away.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Hyak - moved to a sea pen in the bay, and remained there until his release on February 14th, 1969.

**Escaped/Died:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales - likely escaped on the night of February 22nd or early morning of February 23rd, may have possibly died.*

————————

### **April**

***Live Capture, April 26th -** 7 Northern Resident killer whales from the A5 Pod were captured in **Garden Bay, British Columbia** and taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Bonnie- remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until June 9th and then moved to Marine World; was pregnant at capture, had a stillbirth on July 14th.
* Kianu - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until June 9th and then moved to Marine World; was pregnant at capture, had a stillbirth on August 22nd.
* Orky II - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until May 13th and then moved to Marineland of the Pacific.
* Corky - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until May 13th and then moved to Marineland of the Pacific.
* Natsidalia - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until her death in November; believed to be Hyak II's mother.
* Hyak II - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until his move to the Vancouver Aquarium sometime before August; believed to be Natsidalia's calf.
* Irving - remained in a sea pen in Garden Bay until his escape on September 26th.

————————

### **July**

***Live Capture, July 18th -** 9 Northern Resident killer whales were captured in **Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia**. 1 whale was taken into captivity while the other 8 escaped.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Tula

**Escaped:**

* *8 unidentified Northern Resident killer whales*

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 5th -** over 25 Southern Resident killer whales from K and J pod were netted in **Yukon Harbor, Washington**. 5 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Haida - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor for several days, possibly until October 10th, and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Mamuk - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor for several days, possibly until October 10th, and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Ahab - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor for several days, possibly until October 10th, and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Cuddles - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor for several days, possibly until October 10th, and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.
* Ishmael - remained in a sea pen in Yukon Harbor for several days, possibly until October 10th, and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium.

**Released:**

* J1 "Ruffles"
* J8 "Speiden"
* K5 "Sealth"
* *17-25 unidentified L and J pod killer whales*

## 1969

### **April**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** 11 killer whales from an unknown ecotype were captured in **Carr Inlet, Washington**. 2 whales were taken into captivity and 9 were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Ramu II
* SEQ-OO-C69

**Released:**

* *9 unidentified whales*

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** 7-9 killer whales from an unknown ecotype were captured in **Penn Cove, Washington**. 1 whale was killed and the rest were released.*

**Killed:**

* *An unnamed killer whale*

**Released:**

* *6-8 unidentified killer whales*

————————

### **December**

***Live Capture, December 11th -** 12 Northern Resident killer whales from A5 pod were captured in **Pender Harbor, British Columbia**. 6 whales were taken into captivity and 6 were released or escaped during transport attempts.*

**Taken Into Captivity**:

* Calypso
* Corky II
* Kenny
* Nepo
* Yaka
* Patches

## 1970

### **February**

***Live Capture, February 14th** - 5-13 killer whales from an unknown ecotype were captured in **Carr Inlet, Washington**. One female gave birth while being held in the sea pen. 1 whale was taken into captivity and the rest were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* SEQ-OO-C7001

**Released:**

* *6-14 unidentified whales*

————————

### **March**

***Live Capture, March 1st -** 5 Bigg's Transient killer whales from T Pod were netted in **Pedder Bay, British Columbia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity, 1 whale died, and the remaining 2 whales escaped.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* T004 Chimo - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until March 25th and then moved to Sealand of the Pacific; believed to be Scarredjaw Cow's calf.
* T005 Nootka - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until March 25th and then moved to Sealand of the Pacific; believed to be Pointednose Cow's calf.

**Killed:**

* T003 Scarredjaw Cow - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until her death from starvation on May 15th; believed to be Chimo's mother.

**Escaped:**

* T002 "Florencia" / Pointednose Cow - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until her escape on October 27th; believed to be Charlie Chin and Nootka's mother.
* T001 "Charlie Chin" - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until his escape on October 27th; believed to be Pointednose Cow's calf.

————————

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 8th -** over 80 Southern Resident killer whales were netted in **Penn Cove, Washington** after a days-long roundup. 5 whales, including 4 calves, died while 7 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Winston - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Tokitae (Lolita) - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Ramu IV - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Jumbo - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Lil' Nooka - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Chappy - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.
* Clovis - remained in a sea pen in Penn Cove for several days and then moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium later that month.

**Killed:**

* *5 unidentified killer whales - 4 of these whales were calves*

**Released:**

* J1 "Ruffles"
* J2 "Granny"
* L8 "Moclips"
* L16
* L25 "Ocean Sun"
* L26 "Baba"
* L35 "Victoria"
* *Over 60 unidentified killer whales*

————

***Rescue, August 8th -** A Southern Resident killer whale became stranded in **Port Madison, Washington**. She was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Wally - transferred to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point, likely the same day.

## 1971

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 26th -** 15-24 Southern Resident killer whales from L Pod were captured in **Penn Cove, Washington**. 3 whales were taken into captivity, and 12-21 were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kona - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point later that month.
* Kandu II - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point later that month.
* Kandu III - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point later that month.

————————

### **November**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** 19 killer whales were captured in **Carr Inlet, Washington**. 2 whales were taken into captivity and 17 were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* SEQ-OO-C7104 - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point.
* SEQ-OO-C7105 - moved to the Seattle Marine Aquarium at some point.

## 1972

### **March**

***Live Capture, March 12th -** at least 1 Southern Resident killer whale from L Pod was captured in **Carr Inlet, Washington**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Canuck - remained in a sea pen in Carr Inlet until April 13th and then moved to SeaWorld San Diego.

————

***Rescue, March 13th -** a Southern Resident killer whale from L Pod stranded itself in **Ocean City, Washington**. The whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Sandy - taken care of by local residents until a truck arrived to take her to the Seattle Marine Aquarium that evening.

————————

### **September**

***Live Capture, September 1st -** 1 killer whale was harpooned in **Abashiri, Japan** and taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Zero - moved to Kamogawa Sea World.

## 1973

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 6th -** 17 Southern Resident killer whales from K Pod were captured in **Pedder Bay, British Columbia** using the capture boat **Western Spray**. 1 whale was taken into captivity and 16 were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Nootka II - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until October 25th, and then moved to Sealand of the Pacific.

**Released:**

* K1 "Taku" - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until his release on October 27th. Had two notches cut into his dorsal fin for identification purposes and was fitted with a tracking device.
* *15 unidentified K-pod killer whales.*

————

***Live Capture, August 21st -** 2 Southern Resident killer whales from L Pod were captured in **Pedder Bay, British Columbia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kandy - joined Nootka II and K1 "Taku" in a sea pen in Pedder Bay. Remained there until October 30th and then moved to Marineland of Canada.
* Frankie - joined Nootka II and K1 "Taku" in a sea pen in Pedder Bay. Remained there until his move to the Seattle Marine Aquarium sometime before October 25th.

## 1974

### **Month Unknown**

***Live capture, date unknown -*** *1 Icelandic killer whale was accidentally caught in a purse seine net by Icelandic herring fisherman. They collected the whale and attempted to sell it, but it was deemed by Sædýrasafnið too large to be offered for sale. The whale was later released.*

***Released:***

* *1 unidentified Icelandic killer whale*

## 1975

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 16th -** 6 Bigg's Transient killer whales from T Pod were captured in **Pedder Bay, British Columbia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity and 4 were released. One whale was suspected to have been killed but this isn't confirmed. T007 "Innis" was one of the released whales, but it is unknown when she was released. She was possibly released on August 17th.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Nootka III - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until August 23rd and then moved to Sealand of the Pacific.
* Kanduke - remained in a sea pen in Pedder Bay until September 19th and then moved to Marineland of Canada.

**Killed/Released:**

* *An unidentified killer whale - possibly killed on the 23rd or released on or sometime after that date.*

**Released:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales - released on August 17th.*
* *An unidentified killer whale (possibly T007 "Innis") - released on August 22nd.*

## 1976

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 28th -** up to 30 Icelandic killer whales were netted in **Medallandsbugt, Iceland** using the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 whales were taken into captivity and several others escaped. The rest were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kenau - taken to the Hafnarfjörður Aquarium.
* Gudrun - taken to the Hafnarfjörður Aquarium.

**Escaped:**

* *Several unidentified killer whales*

**Released:**

* *Up to 26 unidentified killer whales*

## 1977

### **August**

***Rescue, August 9th -** a young Southern Resident killer whale was found alone and injured in **Menzies Bay** on August 2nd. On August 9th, she was netted by staff from Sealand of the Pacific. She was rescued and taken into captivity for rehabilitation.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Miracle - moved later that night and arrived at the Oak Bay Hotel the following morning.

————————

### **September**

***Note -** Hoi Wai, Kona II, and Winnie were all captured in 1977, but it is unknown which whales were captured on September 30th and which whale was captured on October 12th.*

————

***Live Capture, September 30th -** At least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured in **Ingolfshöfdi, Iceland**. 2 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified female killer whales*

————————

### **October**

***Note -** Hoi Wai, Kona II, and Winnie were all captured in 1977, but it is unknown which whales were captured on September 30th and which whale was captured on October 12th.*

————

***Live Capture, October 12th -** at least 4 Icelandic killer whales were captured in **Ingolfshöfdi, Iceland**. 4 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kandu V
* Canuck II
* Magnus
* *An unidentified female killer whale*

## 1978

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 9th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was seine netted in **South East Iceland**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kotar - remained on the boat until October 10th and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor until October 24th.

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown (after the 9th, before the 17th) -** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were seine netted in **Tvisker, Iceland**. 2 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kahana - remained on the boat for a day and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor until October 24th.
* Kasatka - remained on the boat for a day and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor until October 24th.

————

***Live Capture, October 17th -** at least 3 Icelandic killer whales were seine netted in **Skardsfjara, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 3 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Shawn - remained on the boat until October 18th and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor until October 24th.
* Katina - remained on the boat until October 18th and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor for an unspecified amount of time.
* An unnamed male - remained on the boat until October 18th and then kept in a pen in Grindavik harbor for an unspecified amount of time.

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Höfn, Iceland** by the capture boat **Ónnu SH 35 (Anna SH 35)**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Betty - moved to a sea pen in Hornafjörður where she remained until her move to Marineland Antibes on October 26th.

————————

### **November**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured in **South Iceland**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* SAE-OO-C7808 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.

————————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 3 Icelandic killer whales were captured in **South Iceland**. 3 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* SAE-OO-C7809 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.
* SAE-OO-C7810 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.
* SAE-OO-C7811 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.

## 1979

### **February**

***Release, February 12th -** 3 Icelandic killer whales were released near **Saedyrasafnid, Iceland**.*

**Released:**

* SAE-OO-C7809 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.
* SAE-OO-C7810 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.
* SAE-OO-C7811 - moved to the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium not long after capture.

————

***Live Capture, February 26th -** 5 Japanese killer whale were captured in **Hatajiri Bay, Taiji, Japan**. 5 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Benkei - moved to the Taiji Whaling Museum shortly after capture, and then moved to Nanki Shirahama Adventure World on April 7th.
* Chi - moved to the Taiji Whaling Museum shortly after capture.
* Tai - moved to the Taiji Whaling Museum shortly after capture.
* An unnamed adult female - was pregnant at capture, and delivered a stillborn calf on March 31st at Nanki Shirahama Adventure World.
* An unnamed adult female - moved to the Taiji Whaling Museum shortly after capture, and then moved to Nanki Shirahama Adventure World on April 7th.

————————

### **May**

***Rescue, May 26th -** 1 killer whale from an unknown ecotype became stranded on **Pfeiffer Beach, California**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Surfer Girl - moved to Marine World Africa USA for rehabilitation.

————————

### **July**

***Live Capture, July 25th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Malarrif, Iceland**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Dzul-ha - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Ingólfshöfði, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Kiska - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————————

### **November**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown-** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Ingólfshöfði, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Keiko - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* King - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown-** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Meðallandsbugur, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Caren - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* An unnamed female - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1980

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 24th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was seine netted near **Alvidra, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Benkei II

————————

### **November**

***Live Capture, November 7th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was seine netted near **Reyðarfjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 killer whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Ulises - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, November 10th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was seine netted near **Reyðarfjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 killer whales was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Vigga - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, November 14th -** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were seine netted near **Reyðarfjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 killer whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Finna - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Bjossa - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1982

### **February**

***Live Capture, February 12th -** at least 3 Japanese killer whales were captured in **Hatajiri Bay, Taiji, Japan**. 3 killer whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* An unnamed male - moved to the Taiji Whale Museum soon after capture.
* Benkei III - moved to the Taiji Whale Museum soon after capture.
* Sacchi - moved to the Taiji Whale Museum soon after capture; was pregnant during capture, and gave birth to a calf a few months later.

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 3 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Stokkseyri, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 3 killer whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Freya - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Haida II - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Kim II - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Héradsflói, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 killer whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Nootka IV - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* An unnamed male - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1983

### **November**

***Live Capture, November 9th -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Togi, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 killer whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Tilikum - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, November 14th -** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Jökulsá, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 killer whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Nandu - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Samoa - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1984

### **October**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 5 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Reyðarfjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 5 whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Patty - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Bingo - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Junior - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Kandu VII - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* An unnamed male - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1987

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 26th -** at least 4 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Seyðisfjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 4 whale were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Stella - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Maggie - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Oscar - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Bubba - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1989

### **October**

***Live Capture, October 21st -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Hornafjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Tanouk - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, October 22nd -** at least 1 Icelandic killer whale was captured near **Hornafjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Ran - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

————

***Live Capture, October 29th -** at least 2 Icelandic killer whales were captured near **Hornafjörður, Iceland** by the capture boat **Guðrún** (**Gudrun**). 2 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Sharkane - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.
* Ai - arrived at the Hafnarfjordur Aquarium the following day.

## 1997

### **February**

***Live Capture, February 7th -** 10 Japanese Transient killer whales were captured in **Hatajiri Bay, Taiji, Japan**. Fishermen used bombs and banged metal rods to drive the whales into the bay. 5 whales were taken into captivity and 5 whales were released.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Asuka - remained in the bay until February 10th and then was moved to the Taiji Whale Museum.
* Ku - remained in the bay until February 10th and then was moved to the Taiji Whale Museum.
* Kyu - remained in the bay until February 10th and then was moved to Nanki Shirahama Adventure World.
* NAW-OO-C9701 - remained in the bay until February 10th and then was moved to Nanki Shirahama Adventure World.
* NAW-OO-C9702 - remained in the bay until February 10th and then was moved to Nanki Shirahama Adventure World; was pregnant at capture, but had a miscarriage 2 months later.

**Released:**

* *5 unidentified killer whales - were released on February 9th but refused to leave their podmates, and stayed in the bay until they were driven out on the 10th.*

## 2003

### **September**

***Live Capture, September 26th -** at least a dozen Russian Resident killer whales were captured in **Zhirovaya Bay, Avacha Gulf, Kamchatka, Russia**. 1 whale was taken into captivity and at least 1 whale was killed.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *An unnamed female calf - transported to a sea pen in Avacha Bay.*

**Killed:**

* *A juvenile - tangled in a net and drowned.*

## 2010

### **June**

***Rescue, June 23rd -** A lone Norwegian killer whale was spotted swimming near **Ameland Island, the Netherlands** by fishermen. The young whale was weak and severely emaciated. She was captured by rescuers and taken into captivity for rehab.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Morgan - taken by rescuers to Dolfinarium Harderwijk later that evening.

## 2012

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 11th -** at least 3 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in **Reyneke Bay, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 1 whale was taken into captivity and at least 1 whale was killed. Another whale either escaped or was killed.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Narnia - transported to a holding pool on the shore of Reyneke Bay.

**Killed:**

* *An unidentified killer whale - tangled in a net and drowned.*

**Killed/Escaped:**

* *An unidentified killer whale - either shot during capture or escaped.*

## 2013

### **August**

***Live Capture, August 13th -** at least 4-5 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Gulf of Sakhalin, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 3 whales were taken into captivity and 1-2 were killed.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Nord - transported to a sea pen in Tyvlin River.
* Orpheus - transported to a sea pen in Tyvlin River.
* Grace - transported to a sea pen in Tyvlin River.

**Killed:**

* *At least 1, possibly 2 unidentified killer whales.*

————————

### **October**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 3 Russian Transient killer whales were captured near **Sakhalin Island, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 4 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *3 unidentified killer whales* - eventually transported to the TINRO Center in Nakhodka.

## 2014

### **July**

***Note -** Naya was captured in July of 2014, but it is unknown exactly which capture she was taken in.*

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown (mid July) -** at least 2 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in **Nikolaya Gulf, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity. This capture was possibly done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales*

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown (late July) -** at least 2 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity. This capture was possibly done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales*

## 2015

### **July**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 2 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 2 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales - kept in a sea pen near Chkalov Island.*

————

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 1 Russian Transient killer whale was captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. 1 whale was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *1 unidentified killer whale*

————————

### **Month Unknown (August or Later)**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** at least 4 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. At least 4 whales were taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *4 unidentified killer whales*

## 2016

### **September**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown -** At least 2 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. At least 2 killer whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events, and this capture was done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *At least 2 unidentified killer whales - transported to a holding facility in the Amur river.*

## 2018

***Note -** Kirill, Zoya, Alexandra, Leha, Forest, Tihon, Gaika, Vasilievna, Vitas, Harja, Zina, and an unnamed killer whale were all captured in the Summer/Fall of 2018, but it is unknown exactly which captures they were taken in.*

### **August**

***Live Capture, Date Unknown (before August 6th) -** At least 4 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in the **Sea of Okhotsk, Russia**. At least 4 killer whales were taken into captivity. These whales may have been captured in multiple events. There also may have been more whales taken into captivity. This capture was done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *At least 4 unidentified killer whales*

————

***Live Capture, August 6th -** At least 2 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in **Nikolai Bay, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia** using the capture boat **Юрий Швецов** (**Yuriy Shvetsov**). 2 killer whales were taken into captivity.  This capture was done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales*

————

***Live Capture, August 17th -** At least 3 Russian Transient killer whales were captured in **Constantine Bay, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia** using the capture boat **СПП-020** (**SPP-020**). 2 killer whales were taken into captivity and 1 was killed.  This capture was done illegally without a permit.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* *2 unidentified killer whales*

**Killed:**

* *An unidentified killer whale*

## 2019

### **June**

***Release, June 27th -** 2 Russian transient killer whales were released in **Mys Perovskogo (Cape Perovskogo), Gulf of Sakhalin, Primorsky Krai, Russia**.*

**Released:**

* Leha
* Vasilievna

————————

### **July**

***Release, July 16th -** 3 Russian transient killer whales were released in **Mys Perovskogo (Cape Perovskogo), Gulf of Sakhalin, Primorsky Krai, Russia**.*

**Released:**

* Alexandra - remained near the release site after her release.
* Vitas
* Zina

————————

### **August**

***Release, August 8th -** 3 Russian transient killer whales were released in **Mys Perovskogo (Cape Perovskogo), Gulf of Sakhalin, Primorsky Krai, Russia**.*

**Released:**

* Tihon
* Gaika
* Zoya

————

***Release, August 27th -** 2 Russian transient killer whales were released in **Mys Perovskogo (Cape Perovskogo), Gulf of Sakhalin, Primorsky Krai, Russia**.*

**Released:**

* Forest
* Harja

## 2021

### **July**

***Rescue, July 11th -** A New Zealand killer whale accidentally became stranded on some rocks while hunting with his pod in **Hongoeka Marae, New Zealand**. By the time rescuers arrived his pod was gone, and attempts to refloat him were unsuccessful. He was taken into captivity.*

**Taken Into Captivity:**

* Toa - transported by truck that evening to a makeshift sea pen at the Plimmerton Boat Ramp.

## References

1. ↑ *Orca: The Whale Called Killer*
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *Orca: How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean's Greatest Predator*
3. ↑ "Whale Escapes"
4. ↑ "Female Killer Whale Escapes Near Seattle"
5. ↑ "Seiner Lands Killer Whale"
6. ↑ "Notes on the capture, care, and feeding of the killer whale at Seattle Aquarium"
7. ↑ "11 killer whales are snared by Ted Griffin in Case Inlet"
8. ↑ "Whales Are a Slippery Lot Out Thar in the Vaughn Bay Corral"
9. ↑ "Whales Rounded Up At Vaughn, Pod-ner"
10. ↑ "Thar's Whales In That Thar Bay, Pod-ner"
11. ↑ "Killer whales taken to Seattle"
12. ↑ "3 Killer Whales Corralled in Bay"
13. ↑ "Killer Whale Cornered, Now to Land and Sell It"
14. ↑ "Giant Catch"
15. ↑ "Whales Freed by Vandals"
16. ↑ "Whale turns event into big splash"
17. ↑ "7 Killer Whales Penned at Once"
18. ↑ "Dancing Waters is Dead"
19. ↑ "Skookum the killer whale is on the run"
20. ↑ "Háhyrningsveiðarnar: Guðrún G.K. fékk tvo í gær"
21. ↑ "Háhyrningarnir eru orðnir sex"
22. ↑ "Thirty-Fourth Report of the International Whaling Commission"
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "動物園水族館雑誌"
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Fimm háhyrningar veiddust í haust: Verðmæti 145 millj. kr."
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Forty-First Report of the International Whaling Commission
26. ↑ "太地シャチ捕獲事件"
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Плач косатки"
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 2016 - InherentlyWild
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 "Кампания 'Свободу Косаткам и Белухам'(...)" Free Russian Whales on Facebook
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "The Orca Captures Aug'18 / Killer Whale Captures Continue" ScubaFilmFactory on YouTube