Marine Connection welcomes the news that members of J, K and L pods have been seen on the West Coast of Vancouver and with them, the little youngster who scientists believe was born in late May. They have designated her J56 and is the second calf born in the last five months to the southern resident killer whale population. Her mother, J-31, a 24-year-old female named Tsuchi, was reported to have had an unsuccessful birth in 2016 with no other known pregnancies.
Years ago, all three pods would typically return to the inland waters in late May or early June, however, their absence in recent years has been blamed on a shortage of chinook salmon — their primary prey.
Having a new female among the southern residents is promising to the population. If she can survive and remain healthy, this new addition may add one or more young whales to the population.
