On the 15th we traveled with the Bachelor Trio, T49A2 (Jude) and the T77 siblings. This group of young orcas has been making their rounds. Jude, a 14 year old male orca, and Neftali (15 years old) and Alcyon (12 years old) have been away from their families for quite some time. It’s normal for young males to make trips on their own or with other young boys, but neither Neftali or Alcyon are confirmed to be male or female yet, and at 15 years old Neftali should have started to sprout a taller dorsal fin. Alcyon has just hit puberty so they have a few years before we expect to see their fin sprout if they are a male. If Neftali and Alcyon are young females, it raises many questions, particularly as to why they have left their mom for so long to hang out with Jude.

During our travels we also came across 2 humpbacks, Ocular and Orion. Ocular is one humpback we’ve seen several times this year, traveling by themselves or with other young whales. We have noticed 2 large growths at the base of their tail, which could be badly healed entanglement scars. Orion is a humpback we’ve not seen often this year, but have spent a lot of time with in previous years. They have a large tail that constantly has new marks and scars. While not a confirmed male, these new marks and scars on their tail every year could be explained by them competing for females in the breeding ground. Eventually we hope to get a clear shot of them if they breach so we can finally confirm whether Orion is male or female.

Our afternoon tour encountered the same groups of whales as the morning, but also got to check in on Zigzag and her new calf. Zigzag had a calf back in 2019, and just 2 short years later is back with another. This little one is growing fast and we are very happy Zigzag has brought them back to the Nanaimo area for us this year.

Orion’s beautiful fluke. Photo by Brad Farrow (10:30).

Alycon (T77C) and Jude (T49A2). Photo by Brad Farrow (10:30).

Neftali (T77D) and Jude (T49A2). Photo by Val Watson (10:30).

August 15th - Humpbacks and Orcas a plenty!

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