Victoria, B.C. — A second baby orca has been born in the Jpod.
Expectant Southern Resident J41, also known as Eclipse, gave birth to her new baby Thursday afternoon miles off the Victoria, B.C. waterfront, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
The calf is Eclipse’s second. Her first calf, J51, is a male born in 2015.
The birth of the baby was witnessed by professional naturalists Talia Goodyear and Leah Vanderwiel, along with everyone aboard a tour boat. The crew and passengers were on their way to finish their tour when they came upon J41.
“We spotted who we soon identified to be J41 just southwest of Race Rocks. She appeared to be alone at the time and stayed very close to the surface for a few minutes. After going under for several minutes, she reappeared, and this time it looked like she was pushing something with her rostrum. She surfaced like this 3 or 4 times,” said Goodyear.
“She was aiding the baby up for a few breaths with her rostrum, at which point the little one started surfacing on its own. It appeared to be a rambunctious little bundle of baby, as every surface was exaggerated and playful,” said Vanderwiel,
Goodyear and Vanderweil then notified the Pacific Whale Watch Association and the Center for Whale Research about what they witnessed and provided photos once they returned to shore.
The photos were then sent to whale researchers to confirm the orcas' identities and to possibly determine their body conditions.
Researchers confirmed the photos showed the mother was J41 Eclipse with a new baby.
“We’re very pleased to see that J41 has had her baby, however, it’s too soon to determine the status of the calf, and further observations are necessary before we’ll make an announcement of the new baby’s health,” said Ken Balcomb, founder and executive director of the Center for Whale Research.
A male calf was born to Southern Resident Tahlequah earlier this month.
Cox Media Group
