05:28 PM PDT on Monday, October 6, 2003

By GLENN FARLEY / KING 5 News

NOOTKA SOUND, Canada - The Canadian government says that it has no money to move L98, Luna, to a position off south Vancouver Island, to link up with his home pod.

The U.S. national Marine Fisheries Service also says they have no cash.

"The long and short of it, is there's unlikely to be any U.S. Tax money available for the Canadian Side of this operation," said Brian Gorman of the Natioinal Marine Fisheries Service.

Luna Stewardship Project This image of the orca whale dubbed Luna, taken Aug. 30, 2003 shows one of two injuries the whale apparently received through the interaction with a boat.

Sen. Maria Cantwell is trying to find some money out of U.S. coffers to try and help pay for part of this move. Even though the whale would be picked up and dropped off within Canadian waters, it is part of a population that spends much of its time on the U.S. side of the border.

But Luna's move will have to be carried out over the next few months. Global Research & Rescue, a non-profit, was formed this year, but includes a number of players from last year's move for Springer. The group says it will help out if asked.

"We think there's an opportunity learn an awful lot with Luna, and that includes doing some rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction. And we're standing by to see if that comes together," said Bob McLaughlin.

One of the organizations key members is Jeff Foster, who was hired to perform the hands-on rescue of Springer. Both Global Research & Rescue, and other groups, think both money, and in-kind donations such as transport boats can be found.

"There are resources we've investigated that we think will probably be successful, and at least get partial funding," said Foster.

But organizations and governments will have to act fast, to try and get Luna's rescue in place by early November.

Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans says that it will provide oversight, scientific advice and law enforcement, but it will be up to a private consortium to carry out the move.