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.

114 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.

53 years old

J-19 Shachi

Shachi's first calf, J-29, lived only a few weeks. She spent much of her time babysitting young calves until July 1, 2005 when she had another calf, Eclipse (J-41).  Shachi  became a first time grandmother  in February 2015 when Eclipse had her first offspring, J-51. In 2020 she became a grandmother again, Crescent (J-58).

46 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) a teenage male. She and Cookie are often seen with Princess Angeline (J-17) and her family, and the J11 family group consisting of Blackberry (J-27), Tsuchi (J-31), and Mako (J-39).

40 years old

J-26 Mike

Mike is the first offspring of Slick (J-16).  He was named after Dr. Michael Bigg, who was known as the "father of killer whale research".  Mike has 2 living siblings, Alki (J-36) and Echo (J-42) and he is often seen traveling and playing with them.

34 years old

J-27 Blackberry

Blackberry, his brother Mako (J-39) and sister Tsuchi (J-31) lost their mother in 2008. They travel closely with the J22 and the J17 family groups.

34 years old

J-31 Tsuchi

Tsuchi is Blackberry's (J-27) younger 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.

30 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 the mother to Notch (J-47) who was born in 2010. Her niece, Star (J-46), is three months older than Notch. With several younger whales in this family group, Tahlequah and Princess Angeline are kept very busy.

27 years old

J-36 Alki

 Alki is the third offspring born to Slick (J-16). Alki has an older brother Mike (J-26), and a younger sibling Echo (J-42). These two are often seen together.

26 years old

J-37 Hy'Shqa

Hy'Shqa (pronounced "Hy'shka") had her first offspring, T'ílem Ínges (J-49), in August 2012. She was seen with her second known offspring, Sweqo'llh (J-59), on March 1, 2022. Hy'Shqa's family consists of living siblings Suttles (J-40) and Se-Yi'-Chn (J-45), mother Samish (J-14), and great-grandmother Granny (J-2). "Hy'Shqa" is a Coast Salish/Samish word for "blessing" or "thank you." The name was give to her during a traditional potlatch ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 6, 2001.

24 years old

J-38 Cookie

Cookie is Oreo's (J-22) youngest calf. Cookie's older brother is DoubleStuf (J-34). Cookie is part of a very tight knit family group.

22 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 is a very playful whale.

22 years old

J-40 Suttles

 Suttles is the offspring of Samish (J-14). Her living siblings are Hy'Shqa (J-37) and Se-Yi'-Chn (J-45). Suttles was named in a traditional potlatch naming ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 1, 2005.

21 years old

J-41 Eclipse

Eclipse is the second calf of Shachi. Eclipse was born on July 1, 2005 and there was concern because this calf was so tiny. When not playing with other whales her age, she can be found traveling near her mother.

20 years old

J-42 Echo

Echo is the fourth known calf of Slick (J-16). She is very active, often seen leaping above the surface. Echo is short for 'echolocation' which is what the whales use to navigate and forage.

18 years old

J-44 Moby

Moby is the first male offspring of Princess Angeline (J-17). At the age of one he was already an uncle to his two sisters' calves Star (J-46) and Notch (J-47).

16 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. He is the sixth offspring of Samish (J-14). His living siblings are Hy'Shqa (J-37)  and Suttles (J-40). Se-Yi'-Chn was named in a traditional potlatch naming ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 17, 2009.

16 years old

J-46 Star

Star is the first offspring of Polaris (J-28), seen for the first time passing by Lime Kiln Lighthouse on November 11, 2009. Her actions in 2016 epitomized Southern Resident behavior in that as her mother, Polaris was perishing and still nursing her little bother one year old Dipper J-54,  Star was seen both bringing her mother salmon and pushing baby Dipper up for air.  She was only seven years old.  Star is a star.

16 years old

J-47 Notch

Notch is the first offspring of Tahlequah (J-35). He has a cousin named Star (J-46) and an uncle named Moby (J-44). The three are often seen playing together. He acquired a large notch on the trailing edge of his dorsal fin before he was a year old.

15 years old

J-49 T'ilem I'nges

T'ílem I'nges (pronounced Teelem Eenges) received his name on June 29, 2013 at a traditional Samish Indian Nation naming ceremony, and his name means "singing grandchild". He is the first offspring of Hy'Shqa (J-37). Three of her offspring, J-37, J-40 and J-45 also received their names in this manner. J-49's grandmother is Samish (J-14).

13 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. At the age of just a few months, he was already having 'play dates' with Notch (J-47).

10 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 passed away in 2019. She has two sisters, Polaris (J-28) and Tahlequah (J-35), and one brother, Moby (J-44). She is an aunt to her sisters' offspring, Star (J-46), Notch J-47, and Dipper (J-54).

10 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).

6 years old

J-57 Phoenix

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

5 years old

J-58 Crescent

Crescent J-58 is a female!

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 together.

5 years old

J-59 Sxwyeqo'lh

Sxwyeqólh (J-59) (translation: Reason for Hope Child; pronounced Swee-uh-kosh), brings hope for the future. Her mother is Hy'Shqa (pronounced "Hy'shka") a Coast Salish/Samish word for "blessing" or "thank you." The name was given to her during a traditional potlatch ceremony held by the Samish Nation on October 6, 2001.  J-59’s brother T'ílem Ínges (J-49), aunt Suttles (J-40) and uncle  Se-Yi'-Chn (J-45) received their names in the same way when they were very young.  J-59 received her name during the Samish Indian Nation's Naming Ceremony on June 24, 2023.

3 years old

K-12 Sequim

Sequim (estimated birth year 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).

55 years old

K-14 Lea

 Lea has three living offspring: Lobo (K-26), Yoda (K-36) and Kelp (K-42).

48 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.

40 years old

K-20 Spock

For years researchers thought Spock was male because of her tall, straight dorsal fin that is typical of males. However, in December 2004 she had her first known calf, Comet (K-38), proving that she is indeed a female.

39 years old

K-22 Sekiu

In spring 2001 Sekiu was seen with her first calf, Tika (K-33). She and Tika are close knit and can often be seen with Sekiu's mother, Sequim.

38 years old

K-26 Lobo

Because Lobo's mom, Lea (K-14), lost her first two calves, she was a bit more protective of him. Lobo has two younger siblings, Yoda (K-36) and Kelp (K-42).

32 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.

31 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.

24 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.

23 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 and 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.

22 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.

21 years old

K-38 Comet

Comet is the first calf of Spock (K-20). A comet streaks through the dark night sky just like the whale, Comet, likes to streak by, just under the surface of the water. This young whale likes to travel close to his mom.

21 years old

K-42 Kelp

K-42 Kelp is the fifth offspring of Lea. He has two siblings: Lobo (K-26) and Yoda (K-36). Kelp is a spunky whale who has lots of playmates.

17 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 playing together while their mother is off foraging.

15 years old

K-45 Prosper

Prosper is the first calf born in K Pod in eleven years. Her mother is Spock (K-20) and her brother is Comet (K-38). Prosper's name relates to the iconic phrase in the Star Trek Series. It is hoped she will live a long life.

3 years old

L-22 Spirit

Spirit L-22 (estimated birth year 1971) one living sibling, brother, Onyx (L-87).  Spirit has had three calves while of reproductive age.  Her youngest (Solstice L-89) went missing in 2022 and was declared deceased. Her two other offspring Panda (L-75) and Skana (L-79) died respectively in 1993 and 2013.  Onyx has been known to travel with all three pods and not necessarily just with L-pod and not necessarily with Spirit.

54 years old

L-25 Ocean Sun

Ocean Sun (estimated birth year 1928) has outlived her immediate family. She spends most of her time with Mega (L-41) and his sisters. 

97 years old

L-54 Ino

Ino was the last of her family lineage, until she had her first calf Indigo L-100 in 2001. Sadly Indigo passed away in 2014. In the spring of 2006, Ino gave birth to her second calf Coho (L-108). In December 2010 she had her third offspring Keta (L-117).

Her name was the winning entry in a naming contest in 1983, part of a campaign to prevent the capture of orcas for public display. Partly as a result of this effort, all orcas are protected from further capture in both the U.S. and Canada.

48 years old

L-55 Nugget

Nugget has four living offspring. Her three daughters are Kasatka (L-82), Lapis (L-103) and Jade (L-118) and her son is Takoda (L-109). Nugget became a grandmother when Kasatka had her first calf, Finn (L-116), in August 2010.

48 years old

L-72 Racer

Racer was first photographed off Race Rocks, near Victoria, British Columbia. Racer has a younger brother Nigel (L-95), and in October 2004, Racer had her first calf, Fluke (L-105).

39 years old

L-77 Matia

Matia is eight years older than her sister Calypso (L-94). Matia is only the second whale of the L-12 subgroup to have a calf, L-114, in the last fourteen years. Her first offspring, L-114, seen in February 2010 did not survive. On May 29, 2012, Matia was seen with a new calf, Joy (L-119).

38 years old

L-82 Kasatka

Kasatka is a Russian word which means both "darling" and "killer whale." Her mother is Nugget (L-55). Kasatka has three siblings: Lapis (L-103), Takoda (L-109), and Jade (L-118). Kasatka had her first offspring, Finn (L-116), in October 2010.

35 years old

L-83 Moonlight

Moonlight had her first offspring Midnight (L-110) in 2007. Her mother is Marina (L-47). She has a sister named Muncher (L-91) and a brother who is 20 years younger, named Mystic (L-115).

35 years old

L-85 Mystery

L-85 Mystery, has not been seen in recent multiple L-pod encounters.  On October 2, 2024 CWR in administering the official SRKW survey has listed him as deceased.  Mystery will stay up on our website for a brief time for those who adopt whales in memoriam.  Rest in peace sweet whale.

34 years old

L-86 Surprise!

The birth of Surprise! surprised researchers back in 1991 since there was a 14-year gap between Surprise! (L-86) and her older sister, Nugget (L-55). She has another sister named Ophelia (L-27). Surprise! has two living offspring Pooka (L-106), and on February 17, 2021, she was seen with a new calf, L-125. Her other offspring, Sooke (L-112), died in February 2012 and is now honored through an exhibit at The Whale Museum.

34 years old

L-87 Onyx

Onyx's family consists of his sister Spirit (L-22), her son Solstice (L-89) and a cousin named Mystery (L-85). Onyx traveled with K Pod for a few years and now travels with J Pod.

33 years old

L-88 Wave Walker

Wave Walker is the only living offspring 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.

32 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.

32 years old

L-91 Muncher

Muncher stays close to her mother Marina (L-47), older sister Moonlight (L-83) and Moonlight's offspring Midnight (L-110). She has a sibling named Mystic (L-115) who is 15 years younger.

30 years old

L-94 Calypso

Calypso has a sister, Matia (L-77) and a brother, Mega (L-41). They are a tight family group and Ocean Sun (L-25) travels with them. Her first offspring Cousteau (L-113) was born in October 2009. Her second, L-121 was born in February, 2015.  L-121 will be available for adoption after he/she survives several months and receives a common name through the Whale Museum's Name the Baby Contest.

30 years old

L-103 Lapis

Lapis is the third calf of Nugget (L-55). Lapis has three siblings: Kasatka (L-82), younger siblings Takoda (L-109) and Jade (L-118).

22 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. When he reached his teenage years his dorsal fin began sprouting.

21 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).

20 years old

L-108 Coho

Coho is the second calf of Ino's. Coho 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.

19 years old

L-109 Takoda

Takoda is the fourth known calf of Nugget (L-55), first seen near Monterey Bay, California in March, 2007. Takoda means "friend to everyone" in the Sioux Indian language.

18 years old

L-110 Midnight

Midnight is the first known calf of Moonlight (L-83). He was first seen in midsummer in the Strait of Juan de Fuca traveling in his mother's slip stream. Midnight was only a day or two old when first spotted.

18 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.

16 years old

L-115 Mystic

Mystic is the seventh offspring of Marina (L-47). At the age of one year, he had already outlived four previous siblings. Mystic is a very active young whale. He has two siblings, Moonlight (L-83) and Muncher (L-91).

15 years old

L-116 Finn

Finn is the first offspring of Kasatka (L-82). His grandmother is Nugget (L-55). Finn has 2 aunts named Lapis (L-103) and Jade (L-118) and an uncle named Takoda (L-109).  

15 years old

L-117 Keta

Keta is another word for Chum salmon, a fish these whales eat. Keta has one living sibling Coho (L-108). Coho's name is also the name of a salmon species.

15 years old

L-118 Jade

Jade is the fifth offspring of Nugget (L-55).  Jade has three living siblings: Kasatka (L-82), Lapis (L-103), Takoda (L-109), and one nephew Finn (L-116).

14 years old

L-119 Joy

Joy is the second calf of Matia (L-77). She was first seen on May 29, 2012. She is a spunky whale and is sometimes seen playing with her cousin Cousteau (L-113). She travels closely with her mother in the L12 subgroup and they are often seen with Mystery (L-85).

13 years old

L-121 Windsong

Windsong is the second calf 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.

10 years old

L-122 Magic

Magic is a word often used to describe an orca encounter. And 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 mother is Moonlight (L-83). Moonlight has one offspring, Midnight (L-110), who was born in 2007.

10 years old

L-123 Lazuli

Lazuli is a dark blue semi-precious stone prized for it's 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-123). Lazuli was born in late December 2015 into a large family group. The matriarch of this family is Nugget (L-55).

10 years old

L-124 Whistle

Whistle, SEX UNKNOWN at this time, 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.

6 years old

L-125 Element

Element was the winning name in the Name the Baby Contest. The Whale Museum member who suggested the name stated ‘as in the element of surprise'. Element’s mother, Surprise! (L-86) certainly did that on February 17, 2021, when she was seen with her new offspring, Element (L-125). Element has one living sibling Pooka (L-106). 

4 years old

L-126 Ken

Ken (L-126) is the first offspring of Joy (L-119). He was named in honor of Ken Balcomb. This family is part of the L12 subgroup. 

2 years old

L-127 Scuba

Scuba (L-127) is one of the two newest calves born into the L12 subgroup. Scuba (L-127)’s mother, Calypso (L-94), was named in memory of Jacques Cousteau whose legendary research vessel, Calypso, was used to discover and explore the seas and oceans. Her offspring are named to continue that honor.

2 years old