New killer whale calf gives B.C.'s famous J pod a 'sign of hope'
Animal lovers around B.C. are celebrating the announcement that a new killer whale calf has been sighted in provincial waters.
Washington-based Center for Whale Research (CWR) shared yesterday that one of its researchers recently spotted J pod near Victoria and discovered that it had grown in numbers.
J pod is one of three pods of orcas found in the Pacific Northwest. It can be seen around the San Juan Islands, the Strait of Georgia, the Southern Canadian Gulf Islands, and Puget Sound.
View this post on Instagram
- You might also like:
- 'Profound sadness': Community mourns death of Petsearchers Canada founder
- Wet beaver sightings delight some Vancouver residents
- Family fight over beloved dog leads to legal custody battle
“On April 6, 2025, CWR Field Biologist Mark Malleson located J pod as they traveled west past Victoria Harbour,” said CWR on social media. “During this encounter, he observed and documented a newborn calf swimming closely alongside J40.”
“This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the Southern Resident killer whale population in the past 12 months – a sign of hope for this endangered community.”
Dozens of animal lovers shared their messages of joy on the CWR announcement.
“Best news this year,” said one commenter. “Sending love, light and health to this sweet being.”
“Another baby in J pod? How exciting,” added another. “You will be a great mother, J-40.”
Center for Whale Research
CWR said that its initial observations of the calf designated J63 gave them no immediate concerns, but added that the first year of an orca’s life can be a “challenging time,” especially those born to first-time mothers.
“We remain cautiously optimistic about J63’s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow. Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population — every birth counts — and we’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.”