May 13, 2014 — The oldest known orca whale in the world was spotted leading her pod foraging in Gulf Island waters on the Mother's Day weekend.
The matriarch of southern resident killer whale J-Pod is known as Granny, or J2, and is estimated to be up to 103 years old.
"It's great news she's back, another year older, and thriving," said Michael Harris, executive director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association. There are roughly 80 southern residents and they are listed as endangered in Canada and the U.S.
Granny and the 25 members of J-Pod were spotted around 2 p.m. May 9 in the southern Strait of Georgia by Simon Pidcock of Ocean EcoVentures out of Cowichan Bay.
"She was in the lead with Onyx [a male orphan]," said Pidcock, who had 12 passengers from around the world in his 33-foot boat. They spotted the pod midway between Point Roberts and Saturna Island after a tip from a friend on a ferry.
"I've seen Granny in these parts about 1,000 times over 13 years," said Pidcock. "She looked really healthy and playful. It was good to see them foraging, finding fish here."
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