A remarkable encounter took place over the weekend in Humboldt Bay, leaving locals and nature enthusiasts alike in awe. An orca family, led by a 27-year-old matriarch named 'Lester', paid us a visit!
But here's where it gets intriguing: Lester and her pod are part of the Bigg's Killer Whale group, also known as the T035A clan. This family unit consists of Lester and her four children: Opal, Topaz, Garnet, and Agate, aged 15, 12, 7, and 3, respectively. What's more, this is the first documented appearance of these orcas in California waters!
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, a researcher from the California Killer Whale Project, helped identify these magnificent creatures. She revealed that Lester's mother, the venerable Rooby Roo, aged 55, was spotted near Humboldt Bay back in June 2020. Interestingly, Rooby Roo now roams with a different pod, the T038 squad.
For those eager to learn more about the diverse clans of Bigg's Killer Whales, including the T035As, check out this insightful guide from Our Wild Puget Sound. It's a great resource to dive deeper into the world of these fascinating marine mammals.
A big thank you to Rob Fowler, the local naturalist, for keeping us all informed and connected to these incredible creatures.
And this is the part most people miss: Orcas, despite their name, are not fish! They are mammals, just like us. So, let's appreciate these majestic creatures for who they truly are.
What are your thoughts on these amazing orcas? Do you have any personal encounters or stories to share? Feel free to comment and let's spark a conversation about these magnificent marine mammals!
