June 2002

A juvenile female killer whale, thought to be 18-24 months old, was observed Jan. 14, 2002, in central Puget Sound in Washington State.

The occurrence of a solitary animal was unusual because killer whales normally travel in tight family groups called pods. Orcas usually seen in Puget Sound consist of several pods called the Southern Residents; this whale isn't part of that population, and it's rare for an orca to be in the sound during winter.

Several groups involved in killer whale research and conservation worked to identify this animal. They confirmed that she is A73, for her family group and birth order, and had been on her own since the likely death of her mother sometime before summer 2001. This orca is a member of the Northern Resident population, which is typically seen in the summer 300 miles to the north in waters between the Canadian mainland and Vancouver Island. It's unusual for a Northern Resident to be in Puget Sound.

NOAA Fisheries has responsibility for whales in the U.S. under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The agency monitored this orca, and although she had been eating, she had some medical conditions such as worms and a skin rash. NOAA Fisheries, in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans, convened a panel of independent whale scientists to advise on what actions would be best for the health and well-being of this animal. Following behavioral monitoring and the results of medical tests, the panel recommended that A73 be rescued, rehabilitated, and relocated to Canadian waters.

NOAA Fisheries announced on May 24 that it would attempt to rescue A73. In addition to her health conditions, she had become increasingly interested in people and boats. Such behavior threatened her success in the wild, and she needed to be treated for her medical conditions and moved from a busy shipping lane.

The agency formed a rescue team of experienced and highly qualified experts, and made plans in partnership with Washington State, Canada and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Fisheries officials also opened discussions with a variety of public-interest groups. The assistance of these groups has been valuable in monitoring, evaluating and protecting the whale, and is crucial during the next weeks and months.

Seven conservation organizations established the Orphan Orca Fund to provide a single, coordinated opportunity for the public to support A73's rescue. The fund is administered by The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, Washington. Donations can be sent directly to Orphan Orca Fund, c/o Juanita Johns, Islanders Bank, PO Box 909, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. To help with these efforts, and cover a portion of the costs, NOAA is making available emergency funds from the Prescott Stranding Grant Program.

The successful rescue took place June 13. A73 was moved safely to a floating net pen on the Kitsap Peninsula. She weighed in at 1,240 pounds and measured 11 feet in length. Veterinarians then did several tests to assess her medical condition and plan her treatment.

NOAA Fisheries expects that A73 will soon be transported to northern Vancouver Island, then released into her core range where it's hoped she will reunite with her pod in late summer.