An orphaned killer whale, a 2-year-old calf, has been stranded in a remote lagoon on Vancouver Island, proving to be a challenging rescue mission for officials. The young orca has been alone in Little Espinosa Inlet for approximately three weeks after its pregnant mother tragically beached and died on March 23.
The rescue operation, led by the Ehattesaht First Nation, has faced difficulties in capturing the calf, with the latest attempt being unsuccessful. Chief Simon John mentioned that the operation is currently in the demobilization stage, with plans to regroup and try again in a few days.
The rescue strategy involves corralling the female calf into a shallow area of the 3-kilometer lagoon using boats, divers, and a net. Once contained, the plan is to place the orca in a large fabric sling and hoist her onto a transport vehicle for further care and assessment.
The pair initially entered the lagoon by swimming through a narrow and fast-moving channel that connects it to the ocean. The rescue efforts began at 5 a.m. to take advantage of favorable weather conditions, but the elusive nature of the calf has posed challenges for the rescue team.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains committed to the mission and is preparing for another attempt to safely capture the orphaned killer whale. The community's dedication to saving the young orca highlights the collaborative efforts being made to ensure the well-being of marine wildlife in the region.
