The Whale Museum

Adopt J-63 Ts'ele7álhse

Proceeds from orca adoptions support ongoing education, research and public outreach on behalf of the Southern Resident Community of killer whales. Questions or issues with your adoption? Please reach out to us at oap@whalemuseum.org!

First spotted in April 2025, J-63 was named Ts’ele7álhse by the Samish Indian Nation during a traditional potlatch naming ceremony on September 10. A young Samish girl represented J-63 and became symbolically connected to her as a sister, continuing the Samish tradition of naming whales in the matriline descended from J-14 and Granny (J-2). The Samish generously share these Coast Salish names with The Whale Museum for use in our adoption program, helping connect these whales with people around the world. J-63 is the first calf of his mother, J-40 (Suttles), who gave birth at age 21. Pronounced tsuh-luh-ALTH-suh, Ts’ele7álhse means “the heart of the Salish Sea.”

A one-year symbolic orca adoption includes:

  • A personalized adoption certificate with a 3" x 5" photo of your whale.
  • A personal biography of your whale.
  • A genealogy chart.
  • A 16-page informational booklet about the Southern Resident Orcas.
  • An annual subscription to our Cetus newsletter.
  • Monthly orca updates delivered via email.
  • A one-year Whale Museum individual membership.
  • Eco Friendly adoption delivered via email includes personalized desktop certificate, Orca Sound Clip (patch, bumper sticker and 16-page Southern Resident Orca booklet not included).

See what is included in Email (Eco) and Family or Classroom packages! Just change package & delivery options below.

All prices reflect shipping. Packages ship within 5 business days.

Adoption Package & Delivery Type:

$50.00

Instead of another certificate and 16-page booklet, we'll send you a "renewal star" for your current certificate and a new 4" x 6" photo of your whale. You'll also receive an "Orca Steward" magnet instead of a patch (not included in eco-friendly renewals).
Gift Options:
Recipient Information:
Enter the person's name as it should appear on the adoption certificate.
Recipient information is only used to deliver adoption benefits, like Monthly Orca Updates and our Cetus newsletter. Recipient information is not used for marketing purposes. Adoptions are processed and in the mail within five business days.

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