Orca born during killer whale ‘baby boom’, another found dead

The killer whale baby boom continues on the West Coast, where researchers have documented yet another new calf in the southern resident population.

NOAA Fisheries killer whale researchers documented the new calf during a research survey with J pod Monday in Puget Sound.

Using photos taken by the researchers, the Center for Whale Research confirmed it is indeed a new calf, designated J55.

In a message on Facebook, NOAA Fisheries West Coast – Science & Management wrote that the calf was in close proximity to both J14 and J37, so it isn’t yet known who the mother is.

The calf seems to be just a few days old and in good condition.

“The Southern Resident orca ‘baby boom’ is starting to sound like a long, sustained rumble, and it certainly is music to our ears,” explained Michael Harris, Executive Director of Pacific Whale Watch Association, which represents 36 operators in Washington State and British Columbia.

“But with this wonderful news of yet another calf born into this endangered population, we get a dose of sobering reality of J31’s unsuccessful birth, which would’ve been her first baby.” He added.

There are now 85 members of the endangered Southern Resident Community of orcas, with an 86th member, Lolita, currently residing in Miami Seaquarium.

“This population has turned a corner, no question, but in no way is it out of the woods.” Harris said.

NOAA officials also said on Monday they observed an orca pushing around a different newborn calf that had died. They say it is estimated that at least 50 percent of orca babies do not reach their first birthday, so the event is not unusual.

Agencies/Canadajournal