New J Pod calf near Victoria Harbour

Name: New orca calf spotted in Washington
Uploaded: 2025-04-10T11:35:15-07:00
Description: Puget Sound whale watching groups are celebrating the new sighting of a new orca calf. The first sighting was near Port Townsend on Thursday, but was last seen off Port Angeles.

New orca calf spotted in Washington

Puget Sound whale watching groups are celebrating the new sighting of a new orca calf. The first sighting was near Port Townsend on Thursday, but was last seen off Port Angeles.

The Center for Whale Research has confirmed the arrival of a new calf in J Pod of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population.

What we know:

On April 6, field biologist Mark Malleson spotted the pod traveling west past Victoria Harbour. During the encounter, he observed a newborn calf swimming closely alongside J40, also known as Suttles. This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the population in the past 12 months.

The calf has been designated J63. Based on initial observations, there are no immediate health concerns. However, researchers note that the first year of life is often difficult for young whales, especially those born to first-time mothers.

The Center for Whale Research plans to continue monitoring J63’s condition and behavior in the coming weeks and months, as conditions allow.

(Center for Whale Research)

Every birth is critical to the recovery of this bpopulation, which is listed as critically endangered. Researchers expressed cautious optimism for the calf’s future.

J63 is the grandcalf of J14 Samish, a well-known matriarch who passed away in 2016.

"Each new calf offers a glimmer of hope," the center said in a statement. "We hope J63 will thrive and carry forward the legacy of their family."

The Source: Information in this story is from the Center for Whale Research.