August 25th 10:30 - T's in Plumper Sound

On August 25th we headed Southbound in search of whales. Today, we located a group of orca just between Mayne Island and North Pender Island. This was a very interesting ‘pod’ to watch because it was split between two different distinct groups, but there were members from two separate pods travelling around! One of our vessels had 3 members with them: Matriarch Rocky III (T37), her daughter Harold (T37B), Matriarch Grace (T34), and her youngest child Sonder (T34B). It is suspected that Grace is Rocky III’s mother, but this has yet to be confirmed. We estimate that Grace was born around 1969, meaning she may have been only 10 years old when she had Rocky III!

Grace’s age is almost important to note because Orcas go through menopause, just like humans! Orcas are one of the few mammals that have a long post-reproductive lifespan. This is critical to their survival, as the older matriarchs provide valuable information such as hunting techniques and preferred hunting areas to their offspring and descendants.

Please enjoy these photos taken by Naturalists Ryan Uslu, Cheyenne Brewster, and Rebecca Stirling. We still have availability Labour Day Weekend if you would like to join us on your own wildlife adventure! Please check out our website’s front page for all booking information.

Rocky III (T37)(left). Photo by Rebecca Stirling, 10:30AM.

Rocky III (T37) AKA Pizzafin… do you see why we call her Pizzafin? Photo by Cheyenne Brewster, 10:30AM.

Sonder (T34B). Photo by Cheyenne Brewster, 10:30AM.

Grace (T34). Photo by Cheyenne Brewster, 10:30AM.

Wakeup call! Photo by Ryan Uslu, 10:30AM.

Size matters in the Sealion world! Adult male Stellar Sealion vs. Female/Juvenile Stellar Sealions. Photo by Ryan Uslu, 10:30AM.

Go awaaaaay! You’re blocking the sun! Photo by Ryan Uslu, 10:30AM.

Great Blue Heron. Photo by Ryan Uslu, 10:30AM.

Jilann LechnerAugust 31, 2021Comment