J-16 Slick
Slick has three living offspring. Mike (J-26), Alki (J-36), and Echo (J-42). This family had two calves, one born in December 2014 and the other in March 2015, Sonic (J-52), Slick's only grandson, and Scarlet (J-50), Slick's youngest offspring. Neither lived to the age of four.
48 years old
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J-19 Shachi
Shachi's first offspring, J-29, lived only a few weeks. She spent much of her time babysitting young calves until July 1, 2005 when she had her second known offspring, Eclipse (J-41). Shachi became a grandmother in February 2015 when Eclipse had her first offspring, Nova (J-51). They are an energetic three generation family group.
41 years old
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J-22 Oreo
Oreo belongs to what was once a large extended family group. She is the mother of two males, DoubleStuf (J-34) who died in 2016, and Cookie (J-38) a teenage male.
35 years old
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J-26 Mike
Mike is the first offspring of Slick (J-16). He was named after the late Canadian scientist Dr. Michael Bigg who was known as the "father of killer whale research". Mike's living siblings are, Alki (J-36), and Echo (J-42). His youngest sibling, Scarlet (J-50), died before reaching age four. He is also an uncle to Alki's first offspring who lived just two-and-a half years.
29 years old
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J-27 Blackberry
Blackberry, an adult male, was born the same year as Mike (J-26). He and his siblings, Mako (J-39) and Tsuchi (J-31), are often seen traveling together. However, there are times when Blackberry is off with other adult males his age. His saddle patches are strikingly bright white and combined with his tall dorsal fin he stands out in a group. He became an uncle in May 2019 to Tofino (J-56).
29 years old
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J-31 Tsuchi
Tsuchi is Blackberry's (J-27) sister. Her name comes from the Japanese word for "melon-headed whale," a North Pacific species of cetacean sometimes seen off the coast of Washington. Tsuchi's younger sibling is Mako (J-39). Tsuchi has been seen many times either in attendance with pregnant mothers or in attendance with new mothers. She gave birth to J-56 in May of 2019. Tofino (J-56) is seen often with her mother and her uncles.
25 years old
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J-35 Tahlequah
Tahlequah is one of Princess Angeline's (J-17) offspring. Tahlequah's two living siblings are her brother, Moby (J-44), and her sister, Kiki (J-53). Tahlequah is mother to Notch (J-47) who was born in 2010. Her niece, Star (J-46), is three months older than Notch. With the loss of her mother, Tahlequah has four family members in her charge. In early September, Tahlequah gave birth to a new calf, J-57. After losing her previous calf in 2018, it is hoped J-57 will grow to be healthy and strong.
22 years old
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J-36 Alki
Alki is the third offspring of Slick (J-16). She has an older brother, Mike (J-26), and one living sister, Echo (J-42). Alki had her first offspring, a male named Sonic (J-52), just three months after her mother had given birth to her sister Scarlet. Both of these energetic young calves lived short lives.
21 years old
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J-37 Hy'Shqa
Hy'Shqa (pronounced "Hy'shka") had her first offspring, T'ílem Ínges (J-49), in August 2012. Hy'Shqa has two living siblings, Suttles (J-40) and Se-Yi'-Chn (J-45). With the death of their mother in 2016 Hy'Shqa is now the matriarch of her family. Her name is a Coast Salish/Samish word for "blessing" or "thank you," the name given to her during a traditional potlatch ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 6, 2001.
19 years old
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J-38 Cookie
Cookie is Oreo's (J-22) only living offspring. His older brother DoubleStuf (J-34) died in late 2016. Cookie was first seen in late 2002. Now he is an adult and his dorsal fin appears to have reached its full height. He is often seen foraging and traveling with his friend, Mako (J-39), as well as with others.
17 years old
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J-39 Mako
Mako's name derives from the Japanese "mako kujira" which means sperm whale. Mako has two siblings, Blackberry (J-27) and Tsuchi (J-31). He and Cookie (J-38) are about the same age, now both adults, their dorsal fins appear to have reached their full height. Mako became an uncle in May 2019 to Tofino (J-56).
17 years old
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J-40 Suttles
Suttles is an offspring of Samish (J-14). Her older sister is Hy'Shqa (J-37) and younger brother is Se-Yi'-Chn (J-45). Their mother died in 2016. Suttles was named in a traditional potlatch naming ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 1, 2005. Suttles is often seen with Tsuchi (J-31) and her youngster, Tofino (J-56), possibly helping a mother with her baby.
16 years old
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J-41 Eclipse
Eclipse is the second offspring of Shachi (J-19). Eclipse was first seen as a newborn on July 1, 2005. Almost ten years later a new calf, Nova (J-51) was seen with Shachi and Eclipse in February 2015. Nova is Eclipse's first offspring.
15 years old
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J-42 Echo
Echo is the fourth known offspring of Slick (J-16). She has always been a very spunky whale. Echo is short for 'echolocation' which is what the whales use to navigate and forage. Within a three month span, Echo became a sister to Scarlet (J-50) and an aunt to Sonic (J-52). Both of these energetic young calves lived short lives. Echo has two remaining siblings, Mike (J-26) and Alki (J-36).
13 years old
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J-45 Se-Yi'-Chn
Se-Yi'-Chn (pronounced "sea-ee-chin") is a Coast Salish/Samish word meaning "younger sibling" or the younger one in the family. His living siblings are Hy'Shqa (J-37) and Suttles (J-40). Their mother Samish (J-14) died in 2016. Se-Yi'-Chn was named in a traditional potlatch naming ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 17, 2009.
11 years old
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J-46 Star
Star is the first offspring of Polaris (J-28). Since the loss of her mother and younger brother in the fall of 2016, Star travels with her remaining family members - aunt Tahlequah (J-35), aunt Kiki (J-53), uncle Moby (J-44), and her cousin, Notch (J-47). Star's grandmother, Princess Angeline (J-17) was listed as deceased on August 6, 2019.
11 years old
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J-47 Notch
Notch is the first offspring of Tahlequah (J-35). The wound he acquired on his dorsal fin when he was very young healed, leaving a large notch making him easy to identify. There are three other young whales in his family group: Moby (J-44), Star (J-46), and Kiki (J-53). In September 2020, Notch became a 'big brother' when his mother was seen with a brand new offspring.
10 years old
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J-49 T'ilem I'nges
T'ílem I'nges (pronounced Teelem Eenges) received his name at a traditional Samish Indian Nation naming ceremony. His name means "singing grandchild." His mother is Hy'Shqa (J-37) and her siblings, Suttles (J-40) and Se-Yi-Chn (J-45) also received their names in this manner.
8 years old
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J-51 Nova
Nova is the first offspring of Eclipse (J-41). He has the distinction of being born to the youngest known mother in this community. When he was just a few months old, he was already having 'play dates' with Notch (J-47).
5 years old
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J-56 Tofino
Tofino is the second offspring of Tsuchi (J-31). She was first seen on May 30, 2019, near Tofino which is on the outer coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is fitting that this orca is named for the place she was first seen. She has two uncles, Blackberry (J-27) and Mako (J-39).
1 years old
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K-12 Sequim
Sequim (c. 1972) was named after a Makah native village located on the Olympic Peninsula. She has three living offspring, Sekiu (K-22), Rainshadow (K-37), and Saturna (K-43). She is grandmother to Tika (K-33). Sequim appeared to have had a close relationship with Ruffles (J-1) and often spent time with him and Granny's (J-2) group when in the inland waters in the summer.
50 years old
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K-14 Lea
Lea has three living offspring: Lobo (K-26), Yoda (K-36), and Kelp (K-42). For a few years, this family spent much of the season with Granny’s (J-2) group. Whether with J, K, or L pod whales this family is just about always seen together.
43 years old
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K-16 Opus
Opus was seen with her first calf during the winter of 2000/2001, however the calf did not survive. In late 2002 she had her second offspring, Sonata (K-35), who can most often be seen close by his mother. Her sister is Lea (K-14) but they don’t spend much time together. Opus and Sonata are most often seen traveling with Cappuccino (K-21).
35 years old
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K-20 Spock
Spock was thought to be a male for many years because of the shape of her dorsal fin. In December 2004, she had her first known offspring, Comet (K-38), proving that she is indeed a female. Most often seen in close proximity to each other, they travel with other family members.
34 years old
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K-21 Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a mature male. He has distinct saddle patch markings and a very broad dorsal fin with a notch on the trailing edge. He is most often seen traveling with Opus (K-16) and Sonata (K-35). Once in a while these three have been the only Southern Residents present in the inland waters.
34 years old
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K-22 Sekiu
Sekiu is the oldest offspring of Sequim (K-12). Both have names relating to locations on the Olympic Peninsula. Sekiu has one living offspring, Tika (K-33). She and Tika are most often seen together. They travel with their family group known as the K12s.
33 years old
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K-26 Lobo
Lobo is the third offspring of Lea (K-14) and the only one of those first three to survive. Because of that, she was very protective of him. Lobo has grown to be a very large male with a very straight, rounded at the top, tall dorsal fin. He has two younger siblings, Yoda (K-36) and Kelp (K-42). They are a tight knit family.
27 years old
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K-27 Deadhead
Deadhead is one of four offspring born to Skagit (K-13). She was named to honor the passing of Jerry Garcia, the leader of the rock band "The Grateful Dead." Deadhead had her first offspring, Ripple (K-44), in July 2011. Many times, when the K13 family is with J or L pods, Deadhead and Ripple spend time with the mothers and offspring who are close in age to Ripple.
26 years old
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K-33 Tika
Tika’s name has Native American Chinook language origins meaning "swift." He is the first known offspring of Sekiu (K-22). His dorsal fin took on many shapes as it grew. He and his mother belong to the K12 family group.
19 years old
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K-34 Cali
Cali (pronounced Kah-lee) is the youngest offspring of Skagit (K-13), He has a brother, Scoter (K-25), who was announced deceased on August 6, 2019. He has two living sisters, Spock (K-20) and Deadhead (K-27). Cali means "heart" in the Coast Salish language. Cali also has two nephews, each belonging to one of his sisters.
19 years old
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K-35 Sonata
Sonata is the only living offspring of Opus (K-16). These two whales are often seen traveling with Cappuccino (K-21). Sonata’s dorsal fin has grown tall and may have reached its full height.
18 years old
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K-36 Yoda
Yoda is the fourth offspring of Lea. Yoda has two siblings: Lobo (K-26) and Kelp (K-42). This family group traveled with J Pod during a few summers but now they are most often seen with K Pod whales. On more than one occasion, Yoda has been seen interacting with very young orcas in the community.
17 years old
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K-38 Comet
Comet is the first offspring of Spock (K-20). He and his mother often come in close to shore when the whales travel along the west side of San Juan Island.
16 years old
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K-42 Kelp
Kelp is Lea’s (K-14) fifth offspring. Kelp, his brother, Lobo (K-26), and his sister, Yoda (K-36), are the only three living siblings in this family group, known as the K14s. Kelp is nearing the age when his dorsal fin will begin to sprout (grow tall).
12 years old
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K-44 Ripple
Ripple is the first offspring of Deadhead (K-27). He has one cousin, Comet (K-38), one aunt, Spock (K-20), and one living uncle, Cali (K-34). His uncle Scoter (K-25) was announced deceased on August 6, 2019.
9 years old
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L-22 Spirit
Spirit (c. 1971) has one living offspring, Solstice (L-89), an adult male. They belong to a matriline with just a few remaining whales and they most often travel with a larger group, commonly referred to as the L12s. However, in recent years Spirit and Solstice have spent several days along the west side of the island when no others were in the area.
49 years old
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L-25 Ocean Sun
Ocean Sun (c. 1928) has outlived her immediate family. She spends most of her time with Mega (L-41) and his sisters. She is now the oldest living whale in the Southern Resident Community.
92 years old
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L-41 Mega
Mega was born one year after the study of the Southern Resident Community began so we have been able to watch him grow from a small calf into the large adult male he is today. Because of his tall dorsal fin and its unique shape he can be spotted easily from afar.
43 years old
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L-54 Ino
Ino had her first offspring Indigo (L-100) in 2001 who lived twelve years. In 2006, Ino gave birth to her second offspring Coho (L-108). Four years later she had her third offspring Keta (L-117). They are a tight independent family group. In the last few years, Nyssa (L-84) and Wave Walker (L-88) have traveled with this family. Nyssa's death was announced on August 6, 2019.
43 years old
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L-72 Racer
Racer was first photographed off Race Rocks, near Victoria, British Columbia. Racer has a broad dorsal fin and unusual markings on both her saddle patches. She has one living offspring, Fluke (L-105). The two are most often seen together.
34 years old
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L-77 Matia
Matia is eight years older than her sister Calypso (L-94). Matia's first offspring, L-114, first seen in February 2010, survived only a short time. Her second offspring Joy (L-119), was first seen in May 2012 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Matia, her sister, and their offspring are often seen together. Matia had another offspring (L-124), first seen in Puget Sound in January 2019. L-124 is named Whistle. Often when listening to the hydrophones, the whales can be heard making whistling sounds.
33 years old
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L-85 Mystery
Mystery lost his mother at the age of three. His aunt, Olympia (L-32), stepped in until she died in 2005. He continues to stay close with his L12 subgroup, especially Matia (L-77) and her offspring.
29 years old
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L-86 Surprise!
The birth of Surprise! surprised researchers in 1991 since there was a 14-year age gap between Surprise! and her older sister, Nugget (L-55). Surprise! has one living offspring named Pooka (L-106). Her second offspring, Sooke (L-112), died in February 2012 and is now honored through an exhibit at The Whale Museum.
29 years old
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L-87 Onyx
Onyx's family consists of his sister, Spirit (L-22), her adult offspring, Solstice (L-89), and a cousin named Mystery (L-85). Onyx traveled with K Pod for a few years, then J Pod and more recently L Pod. He does move about from pod to pod!
28 years old
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L-88 Wave Walker
Wave Walker is the only living member of the family group the L2s. Wave Walker got his name because when researchers first saw him, he was gliding along the top of the water in his mother's slipstream. He now travels with Ino (L-54) and her family.
27 years old
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L-89 Solstice
Solstice is the third offspring of Spirit (L-22). He is most often seen traveling with his mother. In the past Solstice had been seen traveling with Granny (J-2) on several occasions.
27 years old
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L-90 Ballena
Ballena means "whale" in Spanish. The killer whale is often referred to as "ballena pinta" or the painted whale. When the whales returned in 2018, Ballena's nephew, Crewser (L-92), was not with them, not seen again and presumed to have died. Ballena is often seen with the L55 and the L47 family groups.
27 years old
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L-105 Fluke
Fluke got his name because there was uncertainty as to who his mother was. After several encounters, researchers determined that Racer (L-72) is his mother. He has grown to have a very tall dorsal fin.
16 years old
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L-106 Pooka
Pooka is a creature of myth. According to legend, Pooka is an adroit shape changer and most commonly takes the form of a sleek black or white horse. This Pooka is a killer whale who was born to Surprise! (L-86). Pooka travels close to his mother.
15 years old
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L-108 Coho
Coho is the second offspring of Ino (L-54). He has one living sibling, Keta (L-117). Coho and Keta are names for some of the salmon species that the Southern Resident orcas feed on in the Pacific Northwest.
14 years old
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L-109 Takoda
Takoda is the fourth known offspring of Nugget (L-55), first seen near Monterey Bay, California in March, 2007. Takoda means "friend to everyone" in the Sioux Indian language. He and Midnight were born the same year.
13 years old
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L-110 Midnight
Midnight is the first known offspring of Moonlight (L-83). He was first seen in midsummer in the Strait of Juan de Fuca traveling in his mother's slip stream. Takoda (L-109) was born the same year at Midnight. These two have often been seen together. When traveling, Midnight’s mother is usually nearby.
13 years old
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L-113 Cousteau
Cousteau, first seen in October 2009 near Port Townsend, has the distinction of being the first calf born to this subgroup in 14 years. Her mother Calypso (L-94) is named for Jacques Cousteau's research vessel The Calypso. The name Cousteau now honors famous researcher Jacques Cousteau. She is often seen being surface active with her younger brother, Windsong (L-121), and their cousin, Joy (L-119).
11 years old
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L-117 Keta
Keta is another word for chum salmon, a fish these whales eat. He has one living sibling, Coho (L-108). Coho's name is also the name of a salmon species. He travels close to his mother Ino (L-54).
10 years old
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L-121 Windsong
Windsong is the second offspring of Calypso (L-94). He was first seen on the outer coast of Washington in February 2015 by NOAA researchers. Windsong has an older sister, Cousteau (L-113), who was born in October 2009. These two siblings are often seen socializing.
5 years old
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L-123 Lazuli
Lazuli is a dark blue semi-precious stone prized for its deep color. Lapis Lazuli is the full name for this stone that is called Lapis for short, the name of Lazuli's mother, Lapis (L-103). Lazuli was born in late December 2015 into a large family group. The matriarch of this family is Nugget (L-55).
5 years old
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L-124 Whistle
Whistle is the third offspring of Matia (L-77). Whistle was first seen in Puget Sound in January 2019. Whistle's name is for the whistling sounds the whales often make. Those sounds can be heard over the hydrophones when the Southern Residents are in the area. Whistle has one living sibling Joy (L-119), who is seven years older. Matia (L-77) and her two offspring travel closely together.
1 years old
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