J-2 Granny

Granny (J-2) was the leader of J, K, and L Pods. She was one of the most well known orcas in the world. Please click here for her Storykeepers page and for more information on Granny.

110 years old

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.

49 years old

J-19 Shachi

Shachi's first offspring, Rigel (J-29), lived only a few weeks. Shachi 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) and then again in September 2020 when Crescent (J-58) was born.

42 years old

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), now an adult. 

36 years old

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.

30 years old

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).

30 years old

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. Her first known calf, Mintaka (no alpha-numeric) died in 2016. She had her second calf, Tofino (J-56), in May of 2019.

26 years old

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 in 2019, Tahlequah has four family members in her charge. Tragically, Tahlequah brought world-wide recognition to the plight of the Southern Residents in July 2018 when she carried her deceased calf (Ti-Tahlequah) for 17 days.  Joyfully, Tahlequah gave birth to her third calf, Phoenix (J-57) in September 2020.  It is hoped Phoenix will grow to be healthy and strong.

23 years old

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.

22 years old

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.

20 years old

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.

18 years old

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).

18 years old

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.

17 years old

J-41 Eclipse

Eclipse is the second offspring of Shachi (J-19). Eclipse was first seen on July 1, 2005. Nine and a half years years later, she had her first offspring, Nova (J-51). They are most often seen with Shachi.  Eclipse had her second offspring in September 2020, Crescent (J-58), making this a family of four.

16 years old

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).

14 years old

J-44 Moby

Moby has two living siblings, Tahlequah (J-35) and Kiki (J-53). Their mother's death was announced on August 6, 2019.  Moby's niece, Star (J-46), and nephew, Notch (J-47), are close in age to Moby. They have grown up together and have a tight bond.

12 years old

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.

12 years old

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. A new member of this family arrived with the birth of her cousin, Phoenix (J-57), brother of Notch.

12 years old

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 to newborn Phoenix (J-57).  

11 years old

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.

9 years old

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).  Both Nova and Notch became big brothers in September 2020 when each of their mothers gave birth, just three weeks apart.  Nova's sibling is Crescent (J-58). Notch's sibling is Phoenix (J-57).

6 years old

J-53 Kiki

Kiki has a special name. She is named in honor of Chief Seattle's daughter's original name, Kikisoblu, of the Lushootseed, a native language used in most of western Puget Sound in the 1800's. Kiki is the fourth offspring of Princess Angeline (J-17) who died in 2019. She has two sisters, Polaris (J-28)-deceased and Tahlequah (J-35), and one brother, Moby (J-44). She is an aunt to Star (J-46), Notch (J-47), Dipper (J-54)-deceased, and Phoenix (J-57).

6 years old

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).

2 years old

J-57 Phoenix

Phoenix's name represents that which can overcome the odds.  It was known that Tahlequah (J-35) was pregnant but, because she had lost her previous calf in 2018, there was concern that J-57 would not survive. In spite of all the odds, he did and has continued to thrive.  He joins his brother, Notch (J-47), who is a very attentive big brother.

1 years old

J-58 Crescent

Crescent is the word used to represent a lunar phase of the moon.  The name Crescent may be showing the beginning of a new moon and, in the case of this orca, a new life is beginning.  Crescent’s mother, Eclipse (J-41), and Crescent’s brother, Nova (J-51), have names related to the solar system.  It’s a wonderful way to connect this young family.

Special thanks to our friend Bart Rulon for this wonderful photograph taken aboard Puget Sound Express!

1 years old

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.

51 years old

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.

44 years old

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).

36 years old

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.

35 years old

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.

35 years old

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.

34 years old

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.

28 years old

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.

27 years old

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.

20 years old

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.

20 years old

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.

19 years old

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.

18 years old

K-37 Rainshadow

Rainshadow is the fourth offspring of Sequim (K-12). Six years after his birth his mother had another offspring, Saturna (K-43). His only other living sibling is his sister, Sekiu (K-22). Her offspring is Tika (K-33), and Rainshadow is his uncle.

17 years old

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.

17 years old

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;'s dorsal fin is in the beginning stages of sprouting (growing tall).  

13 years old

K-43 Saturna

Saturna is the fifth offspring of Sequim (K-12). She is a spunky whale. Saturna and her brother, Rainshadow (K-37), are often seen together with their mother.

11 years old

K-44 Ripple

Ripple is the first offspring of Deadhead (K-27). His living family members include one cousin, Comet (K-38), one aunt, Spock (K-20), and one uncle, Cali (K-34). 

10 years old

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.

50 years old

L-25 Ocean Sun

Ocean Sun (c. 1928) has outlived her immediate family. She spent most of her time with Mega (L-41) until he died in late 2019. She is now the oldest living whale in the Southern Resident Community. 

While there is no evidence to confirm this, many suspect she is related to, and possibly, the mother of Lolita (aka, Tokitae), the only SRKW member who is still in captivity.

93 years old

L-47 Marina

Marina is the matriarch of a very close-knit family unit consisting of her three offspring, Moonlight (L-83), Muncher (L-91), and Mystic (L-115), and her two grand-offspring, Midnight (L-110) and Magic (L-122). 

47 years old

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.

44 years old

L-55 Nugget

Nugget has four living offspring. Her three female offspring are Kasatka (L-82), Lapis (L-103), and Jade (L-118); and one male offspring, Takoda (L-109). Nugget became a grandmother when Kasatka had her first offspring, Finn (L-116), in August 2010 and again in November 2015 when Lapis had her first offspring, Lazuli (L-123). 

44 years old

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.

35 years old

L-77 Matia

Matia is eight years older than her sister Calypso (L-94). Matia's first offspring, Capella (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, Whistle (L-124), first seen in Puget Sound in January 2019. 

34 years old

L-82 Kasatka

Kasatka is a Russian word which means both "darling" and "killer whale." Her mother is Nugget (L-55). Kasatka’s siblings are Lapis (L-103), Takoda (L-109), and Jade (L-118). Kasatka had her first offspring, Finn (L-116), in October 2010. Kasatka became an aunt in 2016 when Lapis had her first offspring.

31 years old

L-83 Moonlight

Moonlight had her first offspring, Midnight (L-110), in 2007. Her mother is Marina (L-47). Moonlight’s sister is Muncher (L-91) and their brother, who is 20 years younger is named Mystic (L-115). Moonlight became an aunt in 2015 when Muncher had her first offspring, Magic (L-122).

31 years old

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.

30 years old

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.

30 years old

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  is the only whale in the SRKW community known to have switched pods, traveling with K Pod for four years, then J Pod for six years and now is with L Pod again. 

29 years old

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.

28 years old

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.

28 years old

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.

28 years old

L-91 Muncher

Muncher belongs to a very close family consisting of her mother, Marina (L-47), older sister named Moonlight (L-83) and her offspring named Midnight (L-110), and one younger sibling, Mystic (L-115). In September 2015, Muncher had her first offspring, Magic (L-122).

26 years old

L-94 Calypso

Calypso, her sister, Matia (L-77), and their brother, Mega (L-41), belong to a close knit family group. Ocean Sun (L-25) travels with them. Calypso's first offspring, Cousteau (L-113), was born in October 2009. Her second offspring, Windsong (L-121), was born in February 2015.  

26 years old

L-103 Lapis

Lapis belongs to a large family.  She is the third offspring of Nugget (L-55). Lapis has three living siblings: Kasatka (L82), Takoda (L-109), and Jade (L-118).  She also has a nephew named Finn (L-116). In November 2015, Lapis had her first offspring, Lauzuli (L-123). 

18 years old

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.

17 years old

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. 

16 years old

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 two of the salmon species that the Southern Resident orcas feed on in the Pacific Northwest. Adult male Wave Walker (L-88) travels with this family.

15 years old

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.

14 years old

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. 

14 years old

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).

12 years old

L-115 Mystic

Mystic is the seventh offspring of Marina (L-47).  Mystic is a very active young whale. He has two living siblings, Moonlight (L-83) and Muncher (L-91).

11 years old

L-116 Finn

Finn is the first offspring of Kasatka (L-82). He belongs to a large family. His grandmother is Nugget (L-55). Finn has two aunts, Lapis (L-103) and Jade (L-118) and an uncle named Takoda (L-109). Finn is a cousin to Lapis’s first offspring.

11 years old

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).

11 years old

L-118 Jade

Jade is the fifth offspring of Nugget (L-55). She has three siblings: Kasatka (L-82), Lapis (L-103), Takoda (L-109); and a nephew Finn (L-116). She is an aunt to Lapis' offspring, Lazuli (L-123).

10 years old

L-119 Joy

Joy is the second offspring of Matia (L-77). She was first seen on May 29, 2012. She is a spunky whale and is sometimes seen playing with her two cousins, Windsong (L-121) and Cousteau (L-113). She and her mother are often seen near Mystery (L-85). In January 2019, Joy became a sister to her new sibling, Whistle (L-124).

9 years old

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.

6 years old

L-122 Magic

Magic is a word often used to describe an orca encounter. Since all members of this family group have a name that begins with the letter M, Magic was a favorite. His mother is Muncher (L-91) and his grandmother is Marina (L-47). Magic's uncle is Mystic (L-115) and his aunt is Moonlight (L-83). 

6 years old

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).

6 years old

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.

2 years old