A Biggs calf was seen near the T46B2 pod of killer whales on Dec. 5. They are born orange, which is a mystery to scientists. (Eagle Wing Tours/Tomis Filipovic)

Scientists rejoice as new Biggs killer whale calf seen in Salish Sea

December 5, 2023 // by Thomas Eley

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A new Biggs killer whale calf was spotted near the T0468B pod on Dec. 5, according to a tweet by the Pacific Whale Watch Association.

The calf was spotted next to pod member Akela, and has an orange tint that cannot be explained by science. Possible explanations include jaundice, thinner blubber making blood vessels more visible and staining from amniotic fluid.

The T0468B pod is led by Raksha, who has been seen swimming around the Salish Sea since 1988.

Raksha has five daughters, including Akela, and four grandchildren, including the new addition.

According to another tweet on X.com, Biggs whales have been spotted in the Salish Sea almost daily since March 12.

Biggs killer whale sightings over November were above the 2018-2022 five-year average. The Orca Behaviour Institute says there’s speculation that a few whales will hang around Vancouver Island all year.

The new calf will join a curious, matriarchal pod that has called the Salish Sea home since 1988.

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