Rescue Operation Underway for Orphaned Orca Calf Stranded in Remote Lagoon

The orphaned orca calf who has been stranded after its pregnant mother died after being caught when the tide went out more than a week ago is spotted in a lagoon near Zeballos, B.C. on April 1.The timer has been set to save a young killer whale’s life, say First Nations leaders and a federal Fisheries Department marine mammal expert.

The plan also involves placing the orca calf in a large net pen in the ocean where its health can be examined and the chances of it meeting its family pod are greatest, he said. The orca calf drama is unfolding near the tiny village of Zeballos, population 200, located about 450 kilometres northwest of Victoria.

John said other attempts to entice the young whale to leave the lagoon have not been successful and the nation wants to take every opportunity available to save its life. The orca has been seen with a bird in its mouth. There were indications the calf was still supplementing its diet with mother’s milk.

The calf appears in good health, spending much of its time in a mid-section of the three-kilometre long lagoon, surfacing between five and 10 minutes, said Fisheries Department officials who have been monitoring the young orca with drones and boats.

Orca Calf Stranded Rescue Lagoon Vancouver Island Marine Mammal Pod

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