‘A sign of hope’: New Southern Resident orca calf spotted in Puget Sound
Apr 9, 2025, 9:20 AM | Updated: 9:28 am
A new orca calf was seen swimming with Southern Resident orcas, delighting Puget Sound residents and killer whale researchers alike.
A field biologist spotted the calf while traveling with the J Pod west in Victoria Harbor April 6, according to The Center for Whale Research. The calf was swimming alongside whale J40—potentially the baby’s mother.
“Based on initial observations of the new calf, now designated J63, there are no immediate concerns,” The Center for Whale Research stated. “However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers. 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.”
It would be J40′s first calf if confirmed, while also being the fourth born calf to the J-Pod in the last year.
“Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population. Every birth counts,” the center continued in its address. “We’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.”
Researchers from the whale research center believe the new calf is “a sign of hope for this endangered community.”
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