Orca pod spotted in vicinity of orphaned B.C. killer whale, but no evidence of family

An orca pod sighting off Vancouver Island near where an orphaned killer whale has been spending her time has an expert expressing caution and downplaying a possible family reunion.

The pod of nine orcas was reported Monday near Kyuquot Sound, about 80 kilometres southeast of Zeballos, near the inlet where the two-year-old calf, kʷiisaḥiʔis, has been seen. 

This is the first official report of orcas near the female calf since late March, when a pod of her relatives was spotted south of Ucluelet.

Marine scientist Jarod Towers says the pod has not yet been identified as possible family members of kʷiisaḥiʔis and the distance is too far for her calls to be heard.

In a release Tuesday, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said it continues to work with First Nations, whale watchers, and researchers to monitor the location of Bigg’s killer whales —the same kind of orca as kʷiisaḥiʔis, also known as Transients.

“[kʷiisaḥiʔis] now has the chance to meet up and join a passing Bigg’s pod. Bigg’s pods are very adaptable and open to adopting young animals and we remain optimistic about her chances of survival,” said the DFO. “However, it is vitally important to her survival that she is not disturbed and further habituated to people or boats.”

That message comes after an identical plea from the Ehattesaht First Nation, on Thursday, May 2.

“The most important thing now is that she be left alone,” said the Nation

Ehattesaht officials reminded boaters in the area to consider changing their courses and look out for the small orca. The Nation warned not to stop to watch her, and under no circumstances should anyone engage with her.

The calf had been trapped since March in a tidal lagoon near Zeballos, located more than 450 kilometres northwest of Victoria, after her pregnant mother became stranded on a rocky beach and died.

The orphan calf eluded several rescue attempts then swam out on her own to an open inlet last month.