Rescue Teams Gather for Second Attempt to Save Stranded Orca Calf in B.C.

A killer whale calf has been trapped in a remote tidal lagoon in Zeballos, British Columbia, for nearly a month after its pregnant mother died. Rescue teams, including experts from the Vancouver Aquarium, the federal Fisheries Department, and Indigenous nations, have gathered resources for a second attempt to reunite the calf with its pod.

The latest effort involves a large seine fishing vessel capable of casting a net strong enough to hold the nearly 700-kilogram calf. The previous rescue attempt last Friday, involving a team of over 50 people, was unsuccessful in corralling the calf into a shallow area of the lagoon to be lifted onto a truck and taken out to sea.

The Ehattesaht First Nation has named the calf 'kwiisahi?is' or 'Brave Little Hunter'. Chief Simon John said the next rescue attempt is expected to happen soon. "It will happen eventually," he stated. "We're not going to let this little one die without putting up a fight."

Why this matters: The plight of the stranded orca calf has captured national attention and highlights the challenges faced by marine wildlife in an increasingly human-impacted environment. The extensive rescue efforts demonstrate the commitment of government agencies, conservation groups, and Indigenous communities to protect endangered species.

In a positive development, the calf recently started eating seal meat thrown into the water, which is the preferred food of Bigg's killer whales. This has given the rescue team more time and options to prepare for the next attempt to coax the orca to a shallow end of the lagoon or out to the open ocean using the seal meat as an attractant.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern for the young orca, stating, "The federal government is fully engaged in the rescue efforts. We will continue working closely with the Ehattesaht First Nation and all partners to give this little whale the best chance of survival."

The rescue operation has been very expensive for the Ehattesaht First Nation, prompting them to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs. "Our band's resources are stretched thin," explained Chief John. "But this orca is part of our community now, and we'll do everything we can to save her."

Key Takeaways

• Killer whale calf trapped in BC tidal lagoon after mother died, rescue efforts underway.
• Rescue teams using large seine fishing vessel to attempt reuniting calf with its pod.
• Calf started eating seal meat, giving rescue team more time and options to coax it out.
• Rescue efforts led by government agencies, conservation groups, and Indigenous communities.
• Rescue operation costly for Ehattesaht First Nation, who started a GoFundMe campaign.