It was a bit of a slow start, but for one L-Pod orca family, they’re back on track and thriving with the birth of a new baby, L-121.
Three-month-old calf L-121 with mother L94. (Photo Credit: Marcie Callewaert via Victoria Marine Science Association Facebook.)
Spotted off the coast of Tofino swimming with mom L94 Calypso, the baby appears to be in good health. L-Pod was travelling south off Blunden Island around 2:15 p.m. on Monday when the Victoria Marine Science Association confirmed the sighting of the new calf.
The birth of L-121 marks the fourth calf born in recent months. The other three calves are all from J-Pod, and are often found hanging about in the straits off B.C.’s coast.
“We’re thrilled of course,” said Michael Harris, Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA), which represents 32 operators in Washington and British Columbia. “Many of us had concerns about this little whale, not just because of the problems L-Pod have had in recent years but generally the odds baby orcas have out there. We always remind people that wild killer whales have a 50 per cent mortality rate – half don’t make it through their first year. And just in its first few months of life, this baby had a lot of big water to battle. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re definitely starting to see some daylight through the trees.”
L-Pod has seen its fair share of struggles in the past three years, after a three-year-old calf was found dead off the coast of Washington in October 2014. However, scientists believe this newest addition will thrive. Thanks to the birth of L-121, the local orca population now stands at 81.
L-Pod whale off the coast of Tofino. (Photo Credit: Marcie Callewaert via Victoria Marine Science Association Facebook.)
L-Pod whale off the coast of Tofino. (Photo Credit: Marcie Callewaert via Victoria Marine Science Association Facebook.)
