British Columbia killer whale rescue: Stranded calf swims out of lagoon

An orca calf that has been stranded in a British Columbia lagoon for weeks after the death of its pregnant mother swam alone early Friday morning.

In a statement, Ehattesaht First Nation Chief Simon John said the calf swam around 2:30 a.m. during high tide. Multiple attempts have been made to rescue the orca since it became trapped in late March.

The statement said a team fed the two-year-old calf, which has been named kʷiisaḥiʔis – or Brave Little Hunter – and was “treated to a long night” in which the whale “crossed and played at the end of the lagoon near the road”. bridge.”

“After almost everyone went to get some sleep, the small group that remained stood as witnesses to watch her swim under the bridge and down the inlet,” the statement said. “The team then found her in Espinosa Inlet and followed her from a distance. As she made her way towards Esperanza Inlet proper. This morning they will encourage her to head out into the open ocean, where her family is expected to hear the calls of the Brave Little Hunter. “.

Ehattesaht’s statement says there will be more patrols to ensure the calf does not come into contact with boats or people. Local nations and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ask the public to stay away from the area.

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