Newborn Southern Resident Orca Calf Spotted: A Glimmer of Hope for an Endangered Pod

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | April 31, 2025

In a heartening sign for one of the Pacific Northwest’s most endangered marine populations, researchers have confirmed the birth of a new Southern Resident killer whale calf. Designated J63, the newborn was spotted swimming closely alongside its mother, J40, a first-time mom, in the waters off the coast of British Columbia and Washington State.

This marks the fourth calf born to the Southern Resident orca population in the past year—a hopeful development for a species that has faced decades of decline due to dwindling food sources, environmental pollution, and noise disturbance from marine traffic.

The Center for Whale Research announced the sighting following an encounter with members of J Pod, one of the three pods that make up the Southern Resident community. The calf appeared healthy and active, a promising sign during what scientists describe as the most vulnerable period in a young orca’s life: the first year.

“Every calf matters in a population this small,” said one marine biologist. “But when a first-time mother like J40 successfully gives birth, it’s especially encouraging—it signals that younger females are maturing and contributing to the next generation.”

J63's birth brings the total number of Southern Resident orcas to 75, a slight but significant uptick for a population that dipped to historic lows in recent years. However, researchers remain cautiously optimistic. Orca calves face numerous threats during their early development, including a lack of Chinook salmon—their primary food source—and exposure to contaminants passed down from their mothers.

Conservationists are urging continued efforts to restore salmon habitats, regulate marine vessel noise, and monitor water quality to support the long-term recovery of this iconic species.

For now, J63’s arrival is being celebrated as a beacon of resilience—and a reminder of the delicate balance required to preserve life in the Salish Sea.

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Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

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