‘Sign of hope’ for endangered killer whales as research centre confirms newborn calf

The Centre for Whale Research recently announced a heartwarming discovery – a new calf has been spotted in a pod of endangered killer whales off the southern coast of British Columbia. Biologist Mark Malleson, part of the Washington-based centre, had the incredible opportunity to witness this special moment as the orcas swam past Victoria Harbour on a sunny Sunday.

The newborn calf was seen swimming alongside a whale known as J40, and it is believed to be her first calf. This latest addition marks the fourth calf born among the southern resident killer whales in the past year, bringing a glimmer of hope to this endangered community. The Centre for Whale Research described the birth as “a sign of hope” for the whales’ survival and recovery.

While initial observations show no immediate concerns for the calf, the first year of life is often challenging for young whales. The team at the centre will continue to monitor and conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months.

This joyful news comes shortly after researchers confirmed the birth of another calf in February, following the heartbreaking loss of a calf. In a poignant display of grief, a whale known as J35, or Tahlequah, had been carrying her dead calf for an extended period before finally letting go. Tahlequah’s behavior, which garnered global attention in 2018 when she carried her calf for 17 days, serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional depth of these majestic creatures.

The southern resident killer whales are classified as endangered under Canadian and U.S. species-at-risk laws. Each new calf is considered vitally important for the whales’ survival and recovery. Conservation groups have expressed concerns about the whales facing imminent threats to their survival, including inadequate prey, underwater noise, and vessel strikes.

Despite calls for an emergency order to protect the whales, the Canadian government has opted for incremental measures to safeguard the salmon-eating whales. The decision to manage human activities using existing legislative tools has sparked criticism from conservation groups, who argue that more robust measures are needed to ensure the whales’ long-term survival.

As we celebrate the arrival of the new calf and hold onto hope for the future of the southern resident killer whales, it is essential to continue efforts to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures for generations to come. Let us cherish these moments of joy and strive to create a sustainable future where these incredible marine animals can thrive.