h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I love killer whales. They're more properly known as orcas.

In my obsession, I have collected over 1000 pictures of them, and put most of them online so that I can stare at them from any computer.

For most of my life, I have been content just to watch them. I got to touch one in 1996, when I went to Texas. Three years later, Keet, as his name was, moved to the Sea World of California park. I remembered him, but he didn't really remember me. I really liked Keet - thought he was faboo.

One day, while he was swimming past the underwater window, I decided to race him, since nobody else was around. He kind of found this fun, and enjoyed having me chase him. Sumar, another little orca, only 2 years old, thought this was interesting and slowly followed along.

I did this for several visits, and found it was Sumar who really loved to play. He'd play any game, as long as it was interesting. Keet was kinda "eh" about things. So Sumar became my friend.

The very last day I saw him was April 15, 2000. I had come to say goodbye to Sumar, since he was being moved to Sea World of Ohio. As soon as I came up to the glass, Sumar darted over and did his "play with me!" whistle. We played chase, and hide and seek (where I would hide in the crowd and he'd go up and down the glass looking, and finally stop in front of me and whistle), and I'd dance with him. The dancing bit was me just being silly, since nobody else was around to see me. I started spinning around and finally Sumar too, did a spin.

It was the coolest time I've ever had with him.

And now he's gone. He's so far away from me, and will probably be a big orca before I get to see him again. I hope he doesn't forget me. I'm always afraid he will forget me. I miss playing with him so much.

Thank you Sumar, for being my friend, and please remember me.