CA-189, the
female transient orca that stranded and died near Dungeness Spit in January
2002, has been on quite a journey. The PTMSC has shared that journey with her.
We helped dig up her buried bones in 2008, watched them leave for the Seattle
NOAA facility for soaking, and then retrieved them again for further cleaning
in 2009.
Lee Post,
aka “the bone man,” a skeleton specialist from Homer, Alaska, had been contacted long before and
was offering detailed guidance since the start of the Orca Project. When he
arrived to begin the articulation in January 2011, a group of more than 25
dedicated PTMSC volunteers, staff members and a large supporting cast of
community members, was ready and eager to work with him. Thanks to their
combined efforts, Hope’s skeleton was completed in less than four weeks.
The
preparation of Hope’s bones and their articulation represents a significant
achievement for PTMSC and its community. In most museums, an articulation work
space would have been closed to the public, with professionals assembling the
skeleton. In contrast, PTMSC opened its doors and invited volunteers to join
the project, regardless of their background. They brought their respective life
skills as well as enthusiasm: artists, citizen scientists, writers,
photographers, welders, boat riggers and more. Lee’s informal teaching and
problem-solving style encouraged volunteers to join him in tackling the many
challenges that arose during the work.
By
Libby Palmer (an excerpt from the Fall 2011 Octopress)
To learn
more about Hope and the Orca Project click here.
This is one of 30 reasons to give $30
to celebrate 30 years. Or increase your impact and give more. All funds support
the Future Fund to keep the PTMSC going strong. Donate
online or call (360) 385-5582, ext. 104, or send a check to 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
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