Late last week another baby orca was spotted in the Salish Sea and confirmed by the Center for Whale Research. The newest member belongs to J Pod and is designated J51. The calf of 36 year old J19 seemed to be happy and healthy as it swam alongside its mother. It is estimated that the calf is about a week and a half old. J50, born at the end of 2014, was also spotted looking healthy and energetic. J50 has even been confirmed a female, which is great news for J Pod. The first year of life for baby orcas can be very difficult and we certainly hope these two little ones make it! The birth of J51 brings the population up to 79 animals and we are very excited at the upward trend. We can only hope there are more baby orcas to come!
Naturalist Emily