21-02-2025
Newest orca brings girl power to endangered whales
The newest member of the endangered southern resident orcas is a female, the Center for Whale Research announced after a recent sighting.
Why it matters: With fewer than 80 southern resident killer whales left, every birth is crucial — but a female calf brings extra hope for the species' survival.
Driving the news: The new calf, known as J62, was "filling out nicely," rolling around and "bouncing" among family members, the center reported.
Catch up quick: The birth was recorded just days before the death of another newborn female calf, J61, who was born in mid-December but was confirmed dead on New Year's Eve.
State of play: On Feb. 15, whale researchers spotted several JPod members spread out and surfing near Victoria, B.C.
Among them was J47, a 14-year-old sprouter, speeding through the waves alongside his mother, Tahlequah, known for previously carrying her dead calves in mourning.
Researchers continued on and soon found J62, the pod's newest baby, tucked alongside her mother, J41.
