Scientists spot 2nd baby orca in endangered pod in 2 months

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. (AP) — A scientist who tracks a group of endangered killer whales that frequents Puget Sound says he's spotted a second baby born to the pod in the past two months.

Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research confirmed the newborn orca in J-pod after it was spotted Thursday, the Kitsap Sun reported ( http://is.gd/IkblBv ).

He said the week-old calf, whose gender isn't yet known, appears healthy and is dubbed J-51.

"It's a good one," Balcomb said.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150213/us--baby_orca-258662e3bf.html

[jmondine]

1. Yay, J-Pod!

Looking forward to seeing them this summer.

[red dog 1]

2. K&R...Thanks for posting, Omaha Steve

This is indeed good news!

Especially these days, when emaciated baby harp seals are turning up on West Coast beaches in record numbers.

[groundloop]

3. My God, don't let the Japanese find out !!!!!

[red dog 1]

4. Or the Norwegians or the Icelanders

[rwsanders]

5. I hope it really is healthy.

The problem for this pod is that there is so much pollution in the sound, I have read that if they beach and die, they have to be disposed of as hazardous materials. For the young in a pod they get hit right off the bat which a huge dose of toxic chemicals as most are lipophilic (fat loving) and are transferred during nursing.
This is one of the reasons that the population of belugas in the St. Lawrence Seaway have never really recovered and there numbers stay low (about 500). Sadly many of the people who have studied these animals are giving up. Pierre Beland who studies the belugas wrote a book called "Farewell to the Beluga". I have a copy and haven't had the courage to read it. In the documentary "A Life Among Whales" Roger Payne (who published 2 albums of whale songs that I still proudly own) says that his life's work is being destroyed before his eyes.
Sorry for the downer post.