What happened to the orca calf J-64?

Researchers believe the orca calf J-64 from the J-Pod has died, as it has not been spotted since late September.

How are the Southern Resident orcas faring?

The Southern Resident orcas continue to face ongoing challenges, with the loss of J-64 being the second calf death in the J-Pod over the last year.

What can be done to help the orca population?

Experts suggest focusing on salmon habitat restoration and supporting political efforts for environmental conservation, as well as adhering to protective regulations like maintaining distance from the whales.

Home / Environment / Orca Calf Feared Dead as Researchers Struggle to Locate J-64

Orca Calf Feared Dead as Researchers Struggle to Locate J-64

3 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Researchers searching for missing orca calf from J-Pod
Calf last seen in late September, not spotted since October 23
Factors like lack of food and toxins make orca calves vulnerable

Orca Calf Feared Dead as Researchers Struggle to Locate J-64

Researchers are deeply concerned about the fate of an orca calf from the J-Pod, known as J-64, after the calf was not spotted during a recent sighting of the pod. The calf was last observed in late September, during a historic sighting of the Southern Resident orcas near Tacoma. However, despite initial optimism about its condition, J-64 has not been seen since October 23, when researchers saw all 27 members of the J-Pod in Canada's Swanson Channel.

Michael Weiss from the Center for Whale Research notes that while the calf initially appeared well-integrated with the pod, the lack of food and exposure to toxicants make orca calves particularly vulnerable to various issues. Researchers suspect these factors could impair the whales' immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. The loss of J-64 highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Southern Resident orcas, with two of the four calves observed alive in the J-Pod over the last year now deceased.