Renowned whale museum lost to fire in B.C.’s Telegraph Cove was a ‘labour of love’

The devastating loss of the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, B.C., has left the community in mourning. Mary Borrowman, one of the founders of the centre, is deeply saddened by the destruction of the popular tourism attraction that helped fuel the local economy and drew visitors from around the world.

The centre, which housed a vast collection of marine mammal skeletons, was destroyed during the Dec. 31 fire that leveled parts of the Vancouver Island resort village. Borrowman, who had been collecting marine mammal skeletons for over 40 years with her husband Jim, described the centre as having the largest marine mammal skeleton collection in Western Canada and being world-renowned.

Telegraph Cove, with a population of only 20 people, is located about 200 kilometers northwest of Campbell River. The fire, which occurred during the resort’s off-season, destroyed numerous local businesses, including The Killer Whale Cafe, the Old Saltery Pub, the offices of two tour companies, and the Whale Interpretive Centre. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

The Whale Interpretive Centre had humble beginnings, starting with a small space on the waterfront boardwalk given by the owners of the resort. Over the years, the centre expanded multiple times, attracting visitors from all over the world. Borrowman described it as a labor of love for both herself and her husband, not just a job.

Emily Gatto, a former employee of the interpretive centre, also shared her devastation at the loss of the centre. She fondly recalled the 60-foot fin whale skeleton that was suspended from the ceiling, providing visitors with a unique and up-close perspective of these majestic animals. Gatto emphasized the economic impact of the centre’s destruction on the broader community, as it was a significant tourist attraction that helped drive the local economy.

Despite the immense loss, there is hope for rebuilding the centre. Borrowman and Gatto have started fundraising efforts to create a new space that can once again showcase the beauty and wonder of marine mammal skeletons. While the original collection was fully incinerated, the organization still has two skeletons – a pygmy sperm whale and a dolphin – on Saltspring Island, where they are being assembled for suspension.

Borrowman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support since the fire and remains optimistic about the future. She believes that with the community’s support, they can rebuild the Whale Interpretive Centre and continue their mission of educating visitors about these incredible marine creatures. The resilience and determination of Borrowman and her team give hope that the centre will rise from the ashes and once again be a beacon of wonder and education for all who visit.