Orca Calf J64 Likely Dead, Experts Confirm After Observations

Researchers specializing in orca populations have concluded that J64, the newest calf in the J Pod, has likely died. This assessment comes after a series of observations made in late October near Mayne Island, British Columbia. The calf’s mother, J42, was consistently seen without her offspring, leading experts to determine that J64 is no longer part of the pod.

The Center for Whale Research reported on their findings after observing the J Pod, which includes a group of orcas known for their distinctive family structure. During their encounters, researchers noted the absence of J64 during three consecutive observations, a standard protocol that indicates a whale’s potential death when it is not sighted over a period of time.

In a recent update on their Facebook page, the research team explained their attempts to locate J64. They observed J42 surfacing repeatedly while waiting for her calf to emerge. “We found J42 and held the camera trigger down while waiting for J64 to pop up behind her. Unfortunately, J64 did not surface after J42,” the researchers indicated. Despite their hopes that the calf might be nursing or playing with other whales, the continued absence of J64 led them to a somber conclusion.

The calf, who was first spotted on September 18, 2023, had been frequently seen alongside J42, demonstrating typical surfacing behaviors of a nursing orca. Biologists have identified that the mortality rate for young calves, especially those born to first-time mothers like J42, is alarmingly high. Factors contributing to these deaths include inadequate nutrition and the transfer of toxins from mother to calf during gestation and lactation.

The research team was dispatched to monitor the J Pod after reports indicated their movement toward the south end of Swanson Channel. They had aimed to capture images that would confirm J64’s presence within the pod. As they witnessed the pod rounding Helen Point and entering Active Pass, they expressed disappointment over their inability to identify the young orca.

The Southern Resident orca population relies heavily on healthy Chinook salmon stocks, and the ongoing challenges posed by environmental factors further complicate their survival. The Center for Whale Research continues to monitor the J Pod closely, with hopes that future encounters will yield more optimistic news regarding the health and survival of its members.