New Bigg's Orca Calf Spotted in Salish Sea: A Beacon of Hope

A new Bigg's orca calf, designated T046B3A, has been spotted in the Salish Sea, bringing excitement to the killer whale community. First observed on March 20th in the eastern Juan de Fuca Strait among a group of orcas, the calf was seen swimming alongside its mother, T046B3, named Sedna. Erin Gless of the Pacific Whale Watch Association noted the calf's fetal folds and orange coloration, indicating its young age, likely one to two weeks old. This is Sedna's first known calf at 14 years old. The sighting coincided with the passing of Ralph Munro, who played a crucial role in releasing six captured orcas, including Sedna's grandmother, Wake, from SeaWorld in 1976. The Bigg's orca population, thriving on a diet of marine mammals, now numbers nearly 400, contrasting sharply with the endangered southern resident orcas. The birth of T046B3A symbolizes continued growth and resilience within the Bigg's orca community.