5 hours ago
Swift News
The southern resident orcas are at least one member larger after L pod, the largest of the groups, was spotted with a new baby off the south coast of Vancouver Island. U.S.-based Center for Whale Research biologists documented the new calf Feb. 16 near Race Rocks, in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The calf, designated L129, was travelling with L55 matriline, and was seen alongside both L55 herself and her daughter L103.
“L55 is 49, so would be an exceptionally old southern resident mother, while this would be L103’s second calf. More encounters will be needed to determine who the mother is,” the organization said on social media.
“With such a young individual, we always balance our optimism with caution. The calf appears to be very young, likely just a few days old at most, and it’s too early to say much about its health.” The Southern Resident Killer Whale population is listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. According to the Center for Whale Research, mortality rates for young calves, especially those born to first-time mothers, are incredibly high in the southern resident population.
J pod suffered heartbreak late last year after a newborn disappeared. Calf J64, who was first spotted in mid-September 2025, was declared missing and presumed dead by researchers from Washington-based centre. “The first year of life, especially these early days and weeks, are difficult for killer whales, and many calves don’t make it. We hope to see L129 again soon, and that the calf’s mother can find enough food to keep this new addition healthy.”