It's A Boy! Scientists Determine New Orca Calf Is Male

SEATTLE — It's official, Puget Sound's youngest orca calf is a boy.

The Center for Whale Research announced Wednesday that their experts have determined that J57 is a young male orca calf.

Researchers believe J57 was born on Friday, September 4. His arrival was celebrated by researchers not just as a positive sign for the struggling Southern Resident killer whale population, but as the end to a long, sad saga— two years prior his mother, J35, had made national headlines after she carried her dead calf for 17 straight days, traveling more than 1,000 miles holding her dead child. Experts say, while her mourning period was especially intense, it's not unusual that her child died: nearly 70-percent of pregnant orcas miscarry or have a calf that dies shortly after birth.

That's part of the reason researchers continue to celebrate J57. The Center for Whale Research says the calf is a "feisty young boy" and that he is "robust and appears healthy." Their researchers determined J57 was male after a sighting Tuesday evening near Point Roberts. Photographers there captured him rolling, jumping and swimming alongside his mother as she searched for food.

The Center for Whale Research says that, for the survival of the struggling orca population, it likely would've been better if J57 had been born female, but that they're still very excited to see him doing so well:

"For the Southern Resident killer whale community's population sustainability, it is preferred that new calves are female. But regardless of gender, J57 is a very welcome addition."

Researchers will continue to keep a close eye on J57, as they hope for his continued success: data suggests that between 37 and 50 percent of calves do not survive through their first year.

Related: Pregnant Orcas Face Unique Challenges In Puget Sound

With J57's birth, the Southern Resident Killer Whale population now totals an estimated 74 whales, split between three pods. The J Pod, home to J57 and J35, has 23 members who are normally spotted near the San Juan and Southern Gulf Islands, lower Puget Sound near Seattle, and the Georgia Straight.