SEATTLE (AP) — A Canadian whale researcher is reporting that a new calf has been born to the southern resident orcas that live between Washington state and Canada.
John Forde was out on the water Thursday near Tofino, British Columbia, when he spotted a baby alongside its mother, J31.
Forde owns a whale-watch company but was out on his research permit doing photo identification when he saw the baby.
This is the second calf born to the southern residents since January, good news for a population that with the new calf numbers 76 whales.
The last new calf was born is still alive, but orca calves face a perilous first year, with only about 50% surviving.