Adopt one of these unique whales and the proceeds will support the stewardship of these endangered Southern Resident orcas, and the Salish Sea ecosystem. Whales in the three pods who have been named are available for adoption. Simply click a photo below to learn more about that whale and to adopt an orca. Click here to learn more about our Adoption Packages. Click here for renewal instructions.
112 years old
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.
51 years old
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.
44 years old
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.
38 years old
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.
32 years old
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).
32 years old
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.
28 years old
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.
25 years old
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.
24 years old
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.
22 years old
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.
20 years old
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).
20 years old
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.
19 years old
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.
18 years old
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).
16 years old
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.
14 years old
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). All three were named in traditional potlatch naming ceremonies held by the Samish Nation. Their mother Samish (J-14) died in 2016.
14 years old
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.
14 years old
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).
13 years old
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.
11 years old
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).
8 years old
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).
8 years old
4 years old
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.
3 years old
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.
3 years old
1 years old
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.
53 years old
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.
46 years old
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 were most often seen with Cappuccino (K-21).
38 years old
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. When K Pod returned to the Salish Sea in July of 2022, it was confirmed by the Center for Whale Research that Spock had a new calf, Prosper (K-45)!
37 years old
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.
36 years old
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.
30 years old
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 was seen with J or L pods, Deadhead and Ripple spent time with mothers and offspring. Ripple did not return in 2022 and is now remembered with a StoryKeeper of him.
29 years old
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.
22 years old
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 a nephew, Comet (K-38) and a niece Prosper (K-45).
22 years old
Sonata is the only living offspring of Opus (K-16). For several years they traveled with Cappuccino (K-21) and Raggedy (K-40) until their passing and now Opus, her sister, Lea (K-14), and their offspring travel together.
21 years old
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.
20 years old
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.
19 years old
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. In April 2022, Spock (K-20) was seen with a calf by her side. Close-by was Comet. When K Pod returned to the Salish Sea in July of 2022, it was confirmed by the Center for Whale Research that the new calf, Prosper (K-45), belonged to Spock!
19 years old
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. This family is just about always together.
15 years old
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.
13 years old
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.
1 years old
Spirit (c. 1971) has one offspring, Solstice (L-89), an adult male. They belong to a group consisting of different matrilines and are commonly referred to as the L12s. There had been times when Spirit and Solstice spent time alone. Now, with the loss of Solstice, Spirit travels with the remaining L12s.
52 years old
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.
95 years old
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. For a few years Nyssa (L-84) and Wave Walker (L-88) traveled with this family. Nyssa died in 2019.
46 years old
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).
46 years old
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.
37 years old
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.
36 years old
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.
33 years old
Moonlight had her first offspring, Midnight (L-110), in 2007. Her mother is Marina (L-47), presumed deceased-September 2021. 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).
33 years old
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.
32 years old
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.
32 years old
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.
31 years old
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.
30 years old
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.
30 years old
Muncher belongs to a very close family consisting of her offspring, Magic (L-122), older sister, Moonlight (L-83), and her offspring, Midnight (L-110), and younger sibling, Mystic (L-115). Marina (L-47) was the matriarch of this close-knit family. September 2021, the announcement was made Marina was presumed to have died.
28 years old
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. Her third offspring L-127 (female) was first seen on June 30, 2023.
28 years old
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).
20 years old
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.
19 years old
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.
18 years old
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.
17 years old
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.
16 years old
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 as Midnight. These two have often been seen together. When traveling, Midnight’s mother is usually nearby.
16 years old
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).
14 years old
Mystic is the seventh offspring of Marina (L-47), who was presumed deceased in September 2021. Mystic is a very active young whale. He has two living siblings, Moonlight (L-83) and Muncher (L-91).
13 years old
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.
13 years old
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.
13 years old
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).
12 years old
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). Joy was seen with her first offspring, L-126, in late June 2023.
11 years old
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.
8 years old
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), presumed deceased n September 2021. Magic's uncle is Mystic (L-115) and his aunt is Moonlight (L-83).
8 years old
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).
8 years old
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. In 2023 this family had a new member, L-126, named Ken.
4 years old
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).
2 years old
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.
0 years old
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.
0 years old
(Note: The birth of a calf is rarely witnessed by researchers, so it is difficult to determine the actual birth date. Periodically, we gain new information which may change birth years. Birth years are established by the Center for Whale Research based on the best science at the time.)
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