The 2-year-old orca calf, affectionately named “Brave Little Hunter” by the local First Nation people, had been stranded in a lagoon on Vancouver Island since March 23. The young whale’s mother had tragically died, leaving her orphaned and stuck in the body of water.
Despite her apparent health, concerns had mounted for the orca calf’s survival as rescue attempts failed repeatedly. Locals, including the Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht First Nations, alongside fisheries officials, had made several unsuccessful efforts to catch and release her into the open sea. Options such as using nets, boats, divers, and even the sound of a violin to coax her out during high tide had proven futile.
However, a breakthrough came on Friday, April 26, when the calf was successfully enticed out of the lagoon’s outlet by members of the Indigenous tribes. Using a small inflatable vessel and sea lion meat, they guided the young whale towards open ocean waters. As of 7:18 a.m. PST that day, the calf was located in Espinosa Inlet, moving towards Esperanza Inlet proper, indicating a positive shift in her rescue and release efforts.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed that the calf’s matriline, or family, had been sighted in a nearby sound when she was initially found, providing hope for her successful reintroduction into the orca population. It was also revealed that the calf belongs to the Biggs, or transient orca, species, which has shown increasing numbers, in contrast to the endangered Southern Resident population.
The successful rescue of “Brave Little Hunter” marks a heartwarming victory for the collaborative efforts of local Indigenous communities and authorities to ensure the welfare and conservation of marine wildlife. The dedication and perseverance displayed in the rescue mission have led to a promising outcome for the young orca calf, heralding a powerful message of hope for the protection of our oceans’ inhabitants.
