Photo credit: KING5 TV
Good news for the Southern Resident Killer Whales! The Orca Network reports that a new orca calf has been spotted with the J pod.
The calf – named J51 – was spotted with J19, a 39-year-old female orca names Shachi.
Scientists with the Center for Whale Research said the baby appeared to be healthy when it was seen from a research vessel on Thursday, February 12.
Video credit: KING5 TV, YouTube
This announcement comes just two months after another orca calf, J50, was spotted in December. J51’s birth brings the population of the J Pod to 26.
There are now 79 orcas in the J, K, and L pods.
For years, the Southern Resident pods have struggled due to changes in their ocean environment and food supply. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with conservation organizations like SeaWorld, continue to research the pods and fight for their survival.
We love the Southern Resident Killer Whales and report on them often. Check out more of our previous reports.