The calf is the descendant of a killer whale captured by SeaWorld and released after a lawsuit. Photo: Pacific Whale Watch Association
On March 20, an orca calf was spotted in the Puget Sound. That alone is cause for excitement, but this calf has an interesting story: The calf is related to a killer whale that was captured by SeaWorld years ago.
“In the images, you can still see fetal folds, along with distinctive orange coloration,” said Erin Gless, the Pacific Whale Watch Association’s (PWWA) executive director. “These factors are normal and indicate the calf is quite young, likely a week or two at most.”
The calf, which is a Bigg’s killer whale (also known as a transient orca for their tendency to be continuously on the move), was seen swimming beside its mother, Sedna. Sedna’s grandmother was one of a half dozen killer whales captured nearly 50 years ago, but was saved after a lawsuit was filed against SeaWorld regarding the legality of the captures.
According to the PWWA, Sedna’s grandmother, Wake, was captured by SeaWorld and held in Budd Inlet, Washington. A man named Ralph Munro, the assistant to the governor at the time, Dan Evans, saw the captures first hand while sailing and was horrified. Munro’s lawsuit led to the release of all six whales and they were the last killer whales to be captured in American waters.
The fetal folds are still visible on the calf, which means it’s still very young. Photo: Pacific Whale Watch Association
Wake’s release was a boon for the population. It’s thought that she sired eight calves, which turned into 16 grand-calves, and now, six great grand-calves.
“Without the direct efforts of Ralph Munro, at least 30 Bigg’s killer whales would have never been born. Munro went on to serve five terms as Washington’s Secretary of State,” the PWWA explained. “His passing at the age of 81 was announced last Thursday, the same day the new orca calf was spotted. Today, Bigg’s killer whales are thriving in Salish Sea waters.”
Bigg’s orcas aren’t in as dire straits as Southern resident orcas, who live mainly in the area where the Bigg’s calf was spotted. As of this writing, there are around 70 individuals left, while Bigg’s orca numbers sit at just over 400. Still, any addition is welcomed, as both species are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
