VICTORIA, B.C. (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new Southern Resident Orca was recently spotted in the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
The Center for Whale Research says that researchers saw the newest member of the J Pod while travelling near Victoria, B.C. on Sunday.
Calf J63 was seen swimming alongside its presumed mother, J40. If confirmed, it would mark the first birth for J40, who is estimated to be about 20 years old.
The Center for Whale Research adds that this marks the fourth Southern Resident Orca born within the past 12 months.
But calves face a high mortality rate within their first year of survival, which means researchers will be keeping a close eye on J63.
