By John Rosapepe, Pacific Northwest Representative
The Endangered Species helped sponsor, plan and coordinate professional kayaker, artist, and Southern Resident Killer Whale advocate Gabe Newton’s three day sixty five mile journey from Seattle to Olympia this March.
Gabe personally delivered over 1,500 postcards and petition signatures to Governor Ferguson’s office that implored him to be a leader and commit to actions to protect and aid the recovery of the highly endangered orca population as well as the salmon on which they depend.
Our volunteer group the Snake River Savers collected 600 of these signatures by reaching out to friends, using social media, and tabling at neighborhood events.
Twenty of us met Gabe at Seattle’s Pioneer Square’s Habitat Beach to express our gratitude and help send him off on his journey for the orcas and salmon.
After visiting the governor’s office, Gabe and Endangered Species Coalition members celebrated an evening of Art and Poetry: For the Love of Orcas with ninety people at Olympia’s Traditions Fair Trade Cafe.
