Necropsy performed on dead orca whale found off the coast of Courtenay

A necropsy is being performed on a dead southern resident orca that was discovered yesterday off Vancouver Island.

Large crowds gathered at Bates Beach as a team of experts examined the remains of the killer whale, identified as J-32 and nicknamed Rhapsody. Scientists found a fetus among the remains, confirming that Rhapsody was pregnant at the time she perished. Researchers say it is not uncommon for orcas to die during childbirth.

A former DFO employee who owns a resort nearby towed the animal to shore so officials could examine it.

The whale was one of only a handful of southern resident orcas left off the coast of B.C.

-with files from Peter Meiszner

PHOTO GALLERY: Dead orca whale at Bates Beach on Vancouver Island (WARNING: Graphic images)