8th new orca spotted near Vancouver Island as J Pod baby boom continues

Scientists say another baby has been born to an endangered pod of killer whales off British Columbia’s coast.

The newborn killer whale, designated as J54, was first spotted on Dec. 1 near San Juan Island in Washington state and was seen again today in Haro Strait between the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island.

According to the Center for Whale Research, the J Pod may be heading for the Strait of Georgia, which they visited this time last year.

This is eighth known Southern Resident Killer Whale birth since last December, bringing the total population to 84.

Researchers are excited by the arrival of J54, saying the recent string of births has been a pleasant surprise.

The Center for Whale Research says they haven’t seen a baby boom like this since 1977, when nine calves were born.

-With files from The Canadian Press