For those who follow the fate of B.C.’s endangered southern resident killer whales, the roller-coaster journey is often a mix of sorrow and cautious celebration.
Just days after grieving the loss of a newborn orca, scientists confirmed the arrival of another calf.
Researchers from SeaDoc Society and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance spotted the calf Sept. 18, swimming in Puget Sound alongside the J16s – a family group of four adults.
“This new calf … appeared to be in good body condition and was seen surfacing often in close proximity to grandmother, J16 and uncle, J26,” said a social media post by Washington-based SeaDoc Society.
The newborn is believed to be the first calf of 18-year-old Echo, also known as J42. She is the sister of Alki (J36), the grieving mom who was seen pushing her dead calf’s body through the water on Sept. 12.
Researchers said Alki’s calf was either full-term or near full-term, though it’s unclear whether it was stillborn or died shortly after birth. A few days later, Alki was observed without the body, socializing again with other members of J pod, particularly the younger whales.
Alki's loss highlights the daunting challenge for the endangered population. Around 50 per cent of southern resident calves don’t survive their first year – three newborns were lost in 2024 alone.
The most recent southern resident census in 2024 recorded a decline in population from 75 to 73 individuals, making each birth important.
“As always, we remain cautiously optimistic," said Orca Conservancy in a social media post, welcoming the news. "We hope this little one grows to be healthy and strong.”
As with all calves in this fragile population, the little one’s progress will be under close scrutiny, with researchers listening and watching for every sign of survival – including its 'first words'.
In the early hours of Sept. 18, before the calf was sighted, a hydrophone in Puget Sound picked up unusual calls from J pod.
Orca Conservancy’s chief scientist, Dr. Bain, and the Orcasound team later confirmed the sounds belonged to a “very young whale” – quite possibly Echo’s newborn.
How could they tell?
“The answer is, young calves mispronounce their calls,” explained the organization. “It takes about six months for them to do calls like adults. The clip has calls that are mispronounced the way young whales do.”
