Photo by Jeff Hogan, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC

A New Years Baby!

J pod welcomes the first calf of 2010!  On January 3, 2010 NOAA Fisheries researchers sighted a new calf swimming with members of J pod.  The mother was confirmed by the Center for Whale Research to be Tahlequah (J35) and her new calf was designated J47.  This is Tahlequah's first calf and at only 12 years old she is young for a first time mom. Luckily for Tahlequah, other members of the family matriline usually pitch in to show the new mother what to do and help raise the new calves.

The J9 matriline may be looking for lots of babysitters in the following couple years.  Princess Angeline (J17) who is Tahlequah’s mother gave birth to her 3rd calf J44 in February 2009, then in November 2009 Polaris (J28) who is Tahlequah’s sister gave birth to her first calf J46.  With the very recent addition of Tahlequah’s calf J47 the family will be busy keeping track of all the youngsters.

A total of six calves were born in the past year to the southern resident killer whales bringing the population to 88 whales.

These new calves will not be available for adoption for about a year.  The survival rate of new calves is still only about 50% so although we are optimistic for their survival, it is important to wait until researchers sight them again a year later before we add them to the program. 

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By becoming a member of the B.C. Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program you will be directly supporting research on wild killer whales. Continuing research will lead to a better understanding of the whales, their place in the ocean ecosystem, and the conservation measures necessary to protect them.

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B.C. WILD KILLER WHALE ADOPTION PROGRAM
Join the Killer Whale Conservation Team!
Adopt a wild killer whale today!  

How Do I Adopt a Whale?

To symbolically adopt a whale and support our field research program, you simply choose the type of adoption package that suits you best, and select the whale or whales you would like from a list of transient and resident killer whales living off the coast of British Columbia.   Choosing your whale is the hardest part.  Some people select a whale born in the same year that they were or the year their child or grandchild was born.  Others select whales because they like the sound of their name.  Still others choose their whale because its picture appeals to them.  To get started on adopting your whale, click here.

What Do I Get with My Adoption?

We have a variety of adoption packages, but they all have something in common. With all packages you will receive a photograph and biography of the whale you've chosen, an adoption certificate, and the most recent issue of our annual journal, the Blackfish Sounder.   For more details, click here.

How will my adoption help wild killer whales?

Killer whales, or orcas, are found in all the world's oceans, but nowhere are they more accessible for viewing and studying than in Canada's west coast waters.

Learning everything we can about killer whales
is the best way to protect them.

Researchers in Canada and the U.S. have been investigating groups of killer whales that frequent the area annually for more than 25 years and are trying to answer these questions and others. Once widely feared, killer whales are now understood far better than they were only three decades ago.

Some of the projects funded by the program include:
Population genetics: Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre has been using DNA analysis to answer questions like how do resident killer whales avoid inbreeding and how do female killer whales know how to choose a mate.

Acoustics: Killer whales rely on sound to communicate and to navigate through the water. Researchers are studying the sounds killer whales make to learn more about their social structure and monitor their movements along the B.C. coast.

Photo-identification: Photo-identification is one of the most useful tools of whale biologists. It is an invaluable method of monitoring the health of British Columbia's killer whale populations.

Marine Mammal Conservation: Click the link above to read about many of the research and conservation projects sponsored by the Adoption Program in back issues of our annual research newsletter, the Blackfish Sounder.  In the 2007 edition, for example, you'll find details of an international conference on fisheries depredation (raiding of fishing gear) by killer whales and sperm whales, and research into the causes of a massive sea otter decline in Alaska.  By the way, the most recent edition of the Blackfish Sounder is only available to Adoption Program Members!

 

Adopt a wild killer whale for yourself or someone else. A gift membership in the B.C. Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program is a unique and thoughtful gift for people of all ages.

The B.C. Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program is hosted by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, a non-profit organization. All contributions go directly to research and conservation of killer whales in the wild. Contributions are tax-deductible both in Canada and the USA to the extent of the law.

Contact us:
B.C. Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
P.O. Box 3232
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6B 3X8

PHONE: (604) 659-3430
E-MAIL:CLICK HERE

 

Books of Interest

Operation Orca - Springer, Luna and the Struggle to Save West coast Whales - Daniel Francis and Gil Hewlett
A wonderfully well-written and well-researched account of the lost killer whale calves Springer and Luna and the nature of their kin off Canada's west coast. To purchase this tale contact the Killer Whale Adoption Program at 604-659-3430.

Leaving Resurrection: Chronicles of a Whale Scientist - Eva Saulitis
Beautiful collection of lyrical and meditative essays. To order visit the publishers website.