A reported sighting of an orca pod off Vancouver Island near where an orphan killer whale is spending her time after escaping from a lagoon has an expert expressing caution and downplaying a possible family reunion. A two-year-old female orca calf, named kwiisahi?is, or Brave Little Hunter, by the Ehattesaht First Nation, is spotted at the Little Espinosa Inlet near Zeballos, B.C., Friday, April 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS



A group of killer whales has been sighted far from the remote inlet off Vancouver Island, where a young orphaned orca has been residing since escaping a lagoon last month. However, a member of the rescue team involved in the calf's care has tempered expectations of an immediate family reunion.

by the Ehattesaht First Nation, is spotted at the Little Espinosa Inlet near Zeballos, B.C., Friday, April 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS

The sighting of nine orcas occurred on Monday in the waters near Kyuquot Sound, about 80 kilometers southeast of the inlet where the two-year-old female calf has been observed.

This marks the closest confirmed report of orcas since the calf's mother tragically became stranded in the lagoon approximately 450 kilometers northwest of Victoria on March 23. The following week, a pod of their relatives was spotted south of Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Marine scientist Jared Towers indicated on Tuesday that the pod near Kyuquot Sound has not yet been identified as the orphaned calf's family, and they are too far away to hear her calls.

"They're just way too far away," he stated in an interview from Alert Bay, northern Vancouver Island. "They're offshore. They are off the continental shelf edge. It's not even the same habitat. That sighting was right on the shelf edge, and that's very different from the inside of an inlet."

The young killer whale, known as kwiisahi?is or Brave Little Hunter by the local Ehattesaht First Nation, gained international attention last month during the efforts to free her from the lagoon where her mother passed away.

Despite attempts by rescuers, the calf evaded capture and eventually made her way out of the lagoon independently on April 26, swimming through a narrow channel and into Little Espinosa Inlet.

Towers mentioned previous instances where young orcas lost contact with their family pods off the coast of British Columbia, survived independently for extended periods, before eventually reuniting with their families.

"I'm just trusting that we've done everything we can at this point and the rest is really up to her," he remarked. "She's in a great spot, and it's just a matter of waiting to see what happens at this point. We just need to be patient."

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Stars Raise Millions for AIDS Research at Glamorous amfAR Gala

The amfAR Gala once again dazzled on the French Riviera, blending celebrity glamour with a heartfelt mission. Held at the....

Canada Post Faces Tensions as Union Slaps Nationwide Overtime Ban

A storm is brewing at Canada Post as its workers' union moves to restrict overtime, signaling deepening tensions. On Thursday....

Conservative MP Jivani Calls to End Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Petition Sparks Uproar

Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has ignited a political storm by launching a petition to abolish Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW)....

Fetal Jet Crash in San Diego Claims Lives of Music Talent Agent and Crew

A private jet carrying six people, including a well-known music talent agent, crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday....

Lincoln’s Blood-Stained Gloves From The Assassination Up For Sale

A large collection of items linked to President Abraham Lincoln went up for auction on Wednesday. These artifacts were meant....

Canada Demands Explanation After Israeli Warning Shots Near Diplomats

Canada is calling in Israel’s ambassador after the Israeli military fired warning shots near a group of diplomats touring the....

7-Eleven Loses Big After Ignoring $125K Offer From Injured Woman

A woman from Smithers, B.C., Crystal Tommy, had a serious fall in 2018 after stepping into a pothole outside a....

Canada Moves To Join U.S. Golden Dome Missile Defense Program

Canada is now in talks to become a part of the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense program. A spokesperson from....

Melting Ice Sheets Threaten Coastal Cities Worldwide

Scientists warn that the world’s huge ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica could melt quickly. This could cause sea levels....

Noem's Misinterpretation Of Habeas Corpus Sparks Debate

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently spoke before a congressional committee. When asked about habeas corpus—a legal rule that lets....

Canadian Scientists Capture How Body’s Glow Fades Right After Death

A new study has revealed something unusual: living things give off a very weak light, and that light fades when....

Severe Storms Expected Tuesday In Alabama, Along With Strong Winds, Hail, And Tornadoes

Severe Weather Threat Tuesday Tuesday brings a risk of severe storms. Dangerous winds, hail, and tornadoes may hit parts of....