BREAKING: Whale researchers have confirmed that the newest orca calf of the J Pod, identified as J64, has likely died. This urgent update comes after multiple encounters where the calf’s mother, J42, was observed without her offspring, leading researchers to conclude that J64 did not survive.
The Center for Whale Research announced this development following a boat expedition just north of Sidney, B.C. on October 28, 2023, where researchers aimed to photograph and monitor the J Pod. During the observation, despite spotting J42 repeatedly, there was no sign of J64. “We hoped it was nursing or something, but we kept seeing J42 surface repeatedly, and there was no calf with her,” researchers stated in their official Facebook post.
According to the Center, the standard protocol dictates that an orca is considered deceased after three consecutive encounters without the whale present in the pod. This protocol was invoked as researchers noted J42 was active but J64 remained unseen. “After a few long dives and still no calf, we had to conclude that J64 did not survive and was now gone,” they reported.
The loss of J64 is particularly devastating as mortality rates for young orcas are alarmingly high among the Southern Resident population, especially for calves born to first-time mothers like J42. Factors contributing to this high mortality rate include poor nutrition and toxic substances transferred from mother to calf during gestation.
J64 was first identified on September 18, 2023, by the Orca Network and SeaDoc Society, who reported that the calf was traveling closely with its mother. At that time, the calf exhibited surfacing patterns consistent with nursing. Sadly, this latest finding brings to light the ongoing challenges faced by orcas in the region.
The researchers expressed a glimmer of hope that J64 might be eluding detection; however, their extensive search yielded no results. The J Pod was last seen rounding Helen Point and heading into Active Pass, leaving researchers and conservationists to grapple with the harsh realities of orca survival.
As the situation develops, the Center for Whale Research will continue monitoring the J Pod for any further updates. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
