Wild Killer Whale Calf Presumed Dead

In January people around the world celebrated as J-55, the newest member of the Southern Resident Killer Whale J-pod, was first spotted by NOAA researchers.

To many, J-55 was a saving grace for a decimated population.

J-55 was a part of the baby boom that had been observed by scientists, and hope for the future for this pod of killer whales that is facing challenges from reduced food supply, pollution, habitat destruction and whale watching boats.

Sadly on February 25, after researchers spent an extended time with the J-pod, they announced that J-55 is missing and presumed dead.

In the wild, around to 50 percent of killer whale calves die before their first birthday.

This death is a sad reminder that the wild is an unforgiving place.