It was a beautiful day today when we pushed off the dock and started our search. As we began cruising we caught word of an orca sighting on the other side of the Strait of Georgia. We journeyed over there and were happy to find the T137s travelling near Richmond.
This pod consists of 4 members - the Matriarch and her 3 surviving children:

T137 Loon ♀ (~1984)
T137A Jack ♂ (2002)
T137B Tempest ♀ (2006)
T137D Wright ♀ (2012)

When we first spotted them the pod was just travelling which is one of the most common behaviours we witness with our Transient orca. Shortly after we arrived T137A Jack decided to change it up a little and was spotted going after a seal. This hunt went on for some time before they made their final strike. While it can be hard to watch orca hunt, it is important to remember that this is the circle of life. Predators must eat prey to stay healthy, and predators must hunt prey to keep prey populations in balance. Once the hunt was over the pod began celebrating by tail slapping at the surface of the water.

After leaving the T137s, we began our journey back across the Strait of Georgia. As we made our way back towards home port, we were able to locate 2 Humpbacks feeding near Porlier Pass. These Humpbacks were Id’d as Poptart (BCY1014) and her brand-new calf (BCY1014 calf 2023)!

BCY1014 Poptart, a vibrant and spirited humpback whale, has become a familiar sight to seasoned whale watchers along the Eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Born in 2016, Poptart was named after her flashy behaviour of regularly popping out of the water while travelling with her mother Big Momma (BCY0324), hence the endearing nickname.

Big Momma, Poptart's remarkable mother, has graced these waters with her presence for several decades. As a seasoned female, she has earned the respect and admiration of both researchers and whale enthusiasts alike. As one of the first Humpbacks back to our area after the Whaling Era, Big Momma helped bring other whales back to our waters. We lovingly refer to this as the great Humpback Comeback. We now have over 300 known individuals in our area!

We were delighted to note during today’s tour that Poptart was travelling with a calf. This is extremely exciting as this is no ordinary calf - this is Poptart's first calf! This momentous occasion marked an important milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures.

Poptart's transition into motherhood has been awe-inspiring to behold. Through synchronized swimming and nurturing gestures, the bond between mother and calf has grown stronger with each passing day. We hope Poptart is just as successful as a mother as her own mother Big Momma is!

The birth of Poptart's calf serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of whale conservation efforts and the vital role that education plays in preserving these gentle giants for generations to come. By raising awareness about their plight, we can inspire others to join in safeguarding their habitat and ensuring their continued survival.

As we bid adieu to BCY1014 Poptart and her precious new calf, we are reminded of the remarkable lives that unfold beneath the ocean's surface. Their journey exemplifies the resilience, beauty, and interconnectedness of the natural world.

Today’s photos were taken by Marine Naturalist Aly Kohlman.