Another calf born to endangered Northwest orcas

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. — Whale researchers say another calf has been born to the endangered Southern Resident orcas of the Salish Sea.

The Orca Network wrote on its social media pages Wednesday that the whale known as L-86, or by the nickname “Surprise!” for her own surprise birth in 1991, had been seen with a new calf.

Only about half of newborn orcas survive, but if this one does it will boost the population to 75.

All three pods — the J, K and L pods — of the whales were seen heading up Haro Strait between San Juan and Vancouver islands. Two calves were born to J pod in September.