UPDATE: Whale researchers have confirmed that the newly observed orca calf, J64, has likely died. This urgent announcement follows several encounters with the J Pod in the Southern Gulf Islands, just north of Sidney, B.C., where researchers were unable to locate the calf during their latest observations.
The Center for Whale Research reported that after three consecutive sightings without J64 present, it is presumed deceased. During the monitoring session, the team was able to identify J64’s mother, J42, but the calf failed to surface, raising alarms among researchers.
“We hoped that J64 was nursing or playing nearby, but repeated sightings of J42 without her calf led us to a heartbreaking conclusion,” the Center stated in a recent Facebook post. The team initially spotted J42 along with other members of J Pod, such as J16 and J26, but the absence of J64 was noted with growing concern.
The calf was first reported on September 18, 2023, where it was seen actively traveling alongside J42. Observers noted that J64 exhibited typical calf behaviors, suggesting it was nursing. However, the mortality rate for young orcas in the Southern Resident population is alarmingly high, particularly for first-time mothers like J42. Factors contributing to high calf mortality include poor nutrition and toxic exposure during gestation.
Officials emphasized the critical importance of healthy Chinook salmon populations for orca survival, as these whales rely heavily on this food source. The situation for J Pod remains precarious, with dwindling numbers and environmental challenges posing ongoing threats.
As researchers continue to monitor the orca population, they remain hopeful that J64 may still be alive, despite the grim assessment. “We kept capturing images, hoping to see J64 emerge from the depths,” they remarked, highlighting the emotional toll of the search.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the J Pod as efforts to monitor and protect this endangered population continue. The loss of J64 marks a significant moment for conservationists and orca enthusiasts alike, underscoring the fragility of these majestic creatures in the wild.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
