Researchers concerned after new orca calf observed skinny, struggling to breathe

||| FROM THE CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH |||

L128 Update:

New calf L128 was documented by researchers from CWR, SR3, OBI, Wild Orca, NOAA, and SeaDoc Society over multiple days starting on 9/15/2024. CWR did not note anything obviously wrong with either mother or calf based on behavior and gross physical state during their two brief encounters with them. SR3’s quantitative photogrammetry categorized L90 as being in “normal” body condition (within the middle 40th-60th percentile) for a female SRKW of her age at this time of year, but did raise concerns about how small and young the calf clearly was (https://www.sealifer3.org/news/hot-off-the-camera).

The photographs that Mark acquired showed an obvious decline, with the shape of the skull clearly visible in several photographs. The behavior he describes and documented is also concerning, with the calf remaining limp for long periods of time while being pushed by L83. It’s unclear why the calf was with L83 rather than L90.

CWR researchers were back out west the next day (Encounter #100) with Ks and Ls, however L83, L90, and L128 were not located in the large spread of whales. We therefore are not yet categorizing L128 as missing or deceased; more data is needed to confirm this young whale’s fate. This population needs every new addition it can get, and the loss of a calf is always tragic. For L90 in particular, the loss of her first documented live-born calf would be a major blow.

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