A new baby orca was spotted Monday in the Strait of Juan de Fuca with L-Pod, one of three pods in Puget Sound’s southern resident community.
The new baby, called L122 by the Center for Whale Research, was born to L91, a 20-year-old orca. L122 is the fifth calf born since Dec. 30, 2014.
“The baby boom continues,” said Michael Harris, Executive Director of Pacific Whale Watch Association, which represents 34 operators in Washington and British Columbia. “And it’s so great to have L-Pod bring another new calf into the population. We’ve had a lot of hope with L-Pod and some of their females coming into reproductive age. We had a good year last year for Chinook, and so far a great year for orcas.”
Early life is tough for orca calves — about half die in the first year. Harris said whale watchers are cautiously optimistic.
“All four babies born this year are doing great, and they’re through their toughest patch,” Harris said. “And this calf looks awesome. So we’ve got a lot of hope for this little whale.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
