Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca calf that was stranded in a remote B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out to freedom early Friday morning.
On Thursday, members of the Ehattesaht First Nation used seal meat to guide the two-year-old calf – who was given the name kʷiisaḥiʔis, or Brave Little Hunter – towards the bridge she and her mother swam under when they first became trapped in late March.
Ehattesaht Chief Simon John said the calf stalled there for hours overnight, but eventually swam out at around 2:30 a.m. during high tide.
"It's been a joyful day," John said. "There was a lot of anticipation for this moment for the last five weeks, and I think, you know, what happened today is something our communities can rejoice in."
The calf's release followed multiple collaborative rescue attempts involving the First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Society and others.
Several of the people involved remained on the water with kʷiisaḥiʔis to monitor her overnight – and watched her disappear from view early Friday before re-emerging on the other side of the bridge.
Paul Cottrell, marine mammal co-ordinator with the DFO, said the calf's behaviour changed almost instantly after she escaped the shallow lagoon and made it into the much-deeper Espinosa Inlet.
"Her acoustics changed," Cottrell said. "She actually sped away from the boat."
"We've given her a chance, and now it's up to her – and we're very confident she will meet up with her pod," he added.
Officials noted the calf – a Bigg's killer whale that normally eats marine mammals – has already demonstrated an impressive adaptability when it comes to feeding.
"We've seen her foraging on herring," Cottrell said. "We've seen her eat birds as well. So we know she's a very capable, smart animal."
Rescue efforts began last month in the Vancouver Island town of Zeballos, about 450 kilometres northwest of Victoria. The young whale swam into the area with her mother, who became stranded on a sandbar while hunting and died.
One attempt to free the calf from the lagoon included using a net to corral her into a large fabric sling in shallow waters. But the whale managed to dodge a 50-strong rescue team who were using boats, divers and sophisticated underwater detection equipment.
Other approaches were even more creative: one Nanaimo woman tried to coax the whale out of the lagoon by playing her violin during high tide.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it will continue monitoring kʷiisaḥiʔis, but Cottrell said the team decided against attaching a satellite tag to the calf.
"There is a risk of infection, and this calf has gone through a lot of stress over the last five weeks already," he said.
Officials said there will be increased patrols to make sure the calf doesn't come in contact with boats or people. They are also asking the public to stay away from the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.