A baby orca whale has been born in the L pod of Puget Sound orcas, whale researchers confirmed this week, but its chances of survival might not be too good.
The mother of the infant whale is believed to be a 14-year-old by the name of Calypso (L-94). If so, it would be her first calf.
The first offspring of an orca whale faces an uphill battle, compared with later births. That’s because females transfer high levels of toxic chemicals to the firstborn, both in the womb and in the mother’s milk, whale researchers say.
The Puget Sound killer whales, consisting of the J, K and L family groupings, were listed as endangered in 2005. Their population, including the newborn, was recently pegged at 86.
A year ago, seven from the families of killer whales were reported missing and presumed dead, the likely victims of a dwindling food supply and pollution. The fate of the newborn hangs in the balance.
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