Scientists said the killer whales were likely attempting to hunt seals and sea lions in the area. Because salmon can get pinched below the Locks, the man-made structure makes the area a hot spot for seals, sea lions and fish-eating birds to gather. Unfortunately for the city and Rivers, who championed the plan to float a fake orca near the Locks, marine mammals were undeterred by the underwater scarecrow. “Fake Willy” sits on display near the Ballard Locks visitor center today, after he was donated back to the Locks in 2019. Twenty years ago, he had little luck controlling seals and sea lions, but maybe his real-life orca buddies can pull it off this time around.