The baby boom for British Columbia's endangered southern resident killer whales has continued, with another newborn calf welcomed to J pod.
According to the Centre for Whale Research, the calf is the fourth born into the southern resident killer whale population in the past 12 months. "A sign of hope for this endangered community," said the organization in a news release.
Spotted on April 6 travelling in waters near Victoria's harbour by field biologist Mark Malleson, the calf was observed swimming closely alongside its mother J40. It is believed by the organization that the calf 鈥� designated J63 鈥� is J40鈥檚 first known offspring.
Based on initial observations made by Malleson, there are no immediate concerns for the health of the calf. "However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers," the organization says.
Centre for Whale Research has said it remains "cautiously optimistic about J63鈥檚 survival" and will be conducting follow-up observations of the calf鈥檚 behaviour and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow.
"Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population 鈥� every birth counts 鈥� and we鈥檙e hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive."
The last orca calf welcomed to the fold was J62, who was first spotted on Dec. 31 last year. The calf has been confirmed to be female 鈥� a welcome addition for the southern residents, considering the potential role she could play in the future of the endangered population.
A new baby orca was also recently spotted in the waves of the Salish Sea among the Bigg's killer whale population. The sighting of the new calf was announced in March by the Pacific Whale Watch Association after it was first seen as part of a group of more than a dozen orcas in eastern Juan de Fuca Strait.