New Orca calf born to J Pod

1/4 Kitsap Sun–Another Newborn Orca Seen in J Pod
By Kitsap Sun staff

A new calf has been born into J Pod, one of the three groups of orcas that frequent Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.

The young whale was spotted Sunday in Puget Sound by a research crew headed by Brad Hanson of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Today, Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research designated the calf as J-47 and confirmed that the mother is J-35, a 12-year-old orca known as Tahlequah.

At 12, Tahlequah is a young mother, and many first-born orcas do not survive their first year. Researchers say the reasons for the high newborn mortality may include a heavy dose of toxic chemicals they receive from their moms. But Balcomb said this newborn looks robust and healthy.

Read the rest of the story at:
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jan/04/another-newborn-orca-seen-in-j-pod/

One Response

  1. Hello – Do you know how old J47 is? Also, what sex and how many inches long is it? I had a dream about this baby on Jan 5th and found out later that day there was a new “J” pod member. Please let me know any additional information you may have about this new baby orca. I am genuinely interested in learning more about it.
    Thank you so much for your consideration and for your time.
    Jennifer Parks

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