New Baby Killer Whale in British Columbia Gives Hope for Endangered Species

The sighting of a baby killer whale in British Columbia has given researchers a sign of hope for the endangered species.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 8, the Center for Whale Research announced that biologist Mark Malleson located J Pod as they traveled west past Victoria Harbour on Sunday, April 6, with a new member beside them.

The new member was described as a newborn calf that was seen swimming closely alongside its mother, J40.

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“This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the Southern Resident killer whale population in the past 12 months – a sign of hope for this endangered community,” the Facebook post read.

Based on initial observations, there were “no immediate concerns” regarding the new calf, which is now designated J63.

“However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers,” the post read. “We remain cautiously optimistic about J63’s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow.”

The group vowed to share further updates on J63 through future encounters, adding: “Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population – every birth counts – and we’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.”

According to the Orca Conservancy, the J pod is part of a genetically and culturally distinct population of Southern Resident killer whales that includes “separate family sub-groups or matrilines that are centered around the older females.”

Pods usually contain two to more than 30 individuals, with smaller whales traditionally found in larger pods.

“Scientists believe whales form pods for social interaction, to protect themselves from predators and to hunt for food collaboratively,” the Marine Mammal Center states.

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The Endangered Species Coalition states on its website that the population continues to be one of the most critically endangered marine mammals, as “for more than two decades marine parks had taken or killed over 50 individuals from the Southern Resident Orca population- approximately 40% of the population.”