Latest news with #JPod
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New Southern Resident Orca calf spotted in the J Pod
Good news from the Salish Sea — there's been a sighting of a new orca calf swimming with our Southern Residents. The Center for Whale Research confirmed the calf on Sunday, April 6, after a field biologist spotted the J Pod traveling west in Victoria Harbor. That's when he saw the new calf, swimming alongside whale J40, who they're presuming to be the mother. If so, it's J40′s first calf, and the fourth born to the J-Pod in the past 12 months. Now designated J63, researchers say the new calf is 'a sign of hope for this endangered community.' The Center for Whale Research announced the discovery on Tuesday, adding, '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. 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.' The Center for Whale Research has some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new calf in J Pod! On... Posted by Center for Whale Research on Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Axios
21-02-2025
- Science
- Axios
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.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers confirm latest Orca calf is a girl
It's a girl! The Center for Whale Research is celebrating after learning the sex of the newest member of the Southern Resident Orcas' J Pod. Researchers say the calf was rolling around near the south end of Deadman's Bay, and they were able to get a close enough look to make the determination. The encounter happened on Feb. 8. The center says the calf appears to be doing well and 'was seen bouncing around between J41 and other members of the J19s.' The Center for Whale Research shared the announcement of J62′s birth on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, the J Pod also suffered the loss of a female calf, J61. During the Feb. 8 encounter, researchers noted that the mother, J35, is no longer carrying around the calf's carcass. According to Orca Conservancy, there are an estimated 26 members of the J Pod. J Pod is often seen on the west side of San Juan Island, Southern Gulf Islands, central and south Puget Sound proper, and Georgia Strait. Encounter #6 • 8-Feb • J Pod - J62 is confirmed female! After receiving reports of probable residents off the west side... Posted by Center for Whale Research on Saturday, February 15, 2025
