||| FROM KOMO-TV SEATTLE |||
The newest member in the J Pod of the Southern Resident killer whales, calf J62, has been confirmed as a female by the Center for Whale Research.
A team was sent to Snug Harbor on Feb. 8 after receiving reports of probable resident whales off the west side of San Juan Island.
The team encountered J Pod at 3:30 p.m., about three-quarters of a mile offshore, with the pod moving slowly up the west side.
The whales appeared to be resting, making little progress against the ebb tide. Researchers were able to photograph all 26 members of the pod.
J62, the new calf, was observed in good health, bouncing between several different whales. The calf is reportedly “filling out nicely,” according to the team.
A member of the research team was able to capture the necessary belly shots to confirm J62 is a female.
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