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November 21, 2024
Recently, the Prince of Whales team made a series of remarkable sightings – a 3-week-old killer whale calf swimming alongside the T075B matriline. In a previous sighting near the North Island on August 3rd, 2023, the T075B matriline was spotted and the calf was noticeably absent. This has sparked a wave of curiosity about the calf’s origins and its maternal connection. These young cetaceans form deep and enduring bonds with their mothers and matrilineal groups, remaining by their side for years to learn essential survival skills and social behaviors.
The identity of the mother is still unknown at this time, and will require further sightings to confirm or deny the current theories. As of now, the calf could belong to either 28-year-old T075B, or could it be her 8-year-old daughter T075B2, which could potentially set a record for one of the earliest documented births. The calf has lately been found travelling alongside T075B2, making us believe she could be the official mother! This calf hasn’t been assigned a unique ID as of yet, and is of unknown gender, so we are eagerly waiting for more information to be better able to identify the newborn.
Female orcas can give birth to their first calf as early as age 10, but most become mothers between 14 and 40 years old. Killer whales do not have a specific calving season, with births occurring throughout the year. However, in certain populations, there might be slight seasonal patterns linked to prey availability and environmental factors. Killer whale calves experience remarkable growth during their early months, gaining an average of 200 pounds per day due to their rich mother’s milk and abundant diet and usually exhibit a playful nature, engaging in various activities such as breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-slapping. These behaviors help them build strength, coordination, and communication skills. Calves bear unique markings called “natal lines” – light gray or white lines along their sides – which gradually fade as they mature, providing insights into their age and development.
We are thrilled about this new member of this Salish Sea, and we look forward to following it growth and its story to be able to share it with you!
