WHALES: Southern Residents in the area

11:16 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – she reports that J-Pod orcas are headed southbound, slowly, from the Bainbridge ferry lanes, mid-to-east in the channel. Let us know if you see them!

11:47 AM: We’ve also heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who also reports the orcas are headed this way and adds, “We’ll be at the Whale Trail sign at Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint with binoculars to share around noon. Bundle up!” (That’s also known as Constellation Park, Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd.)

1:21 PM: Both Kersti and Donna report the whales have turned around and are headed back northbound.

Svenry April 6, 2023 (12:19 pm)

12:18 Seeing a pair including a big male immediately north of Eagle Harbor as viewed from 64th Street. And another big male much closer slight to the right.

anonyme April 6, 2023 (12:41 pm)

Hopefully long lost L-pod daughter Tokitae (Lolita) will soon be returning home to her native waters.

waikikigirl April 6, 2023 (5:44 pm)

How will this be for Tokitae when she is returned to her native waters, will her family accept her, will she be able to survive eating/feeding and or everything else since being in captivity for so long? worried

Kersti Elisabeth Muul April 6, 2023 (12:50 pm)

J44 leader just passing restoration point. (South end of Bainbridge)

waikikigirl April 7, 2023 (7:45 am)

Sincere questions here. Since the news of Tokitae returning to her native waters I’ve been concerned if she will be accepted by her family, be able to fend for herself in the open waters and also will she be able to feed/eat on her own, after being captive by humans and depending on them for everything it worries me.
- Kersti Elisabeth Muul April 7, 2023 (9:11 pm)
  
  IF it happens it will be an extremely long process. She’s not going to be reunited with Lpod. If she survives the prep and travel, she would be in a pen. She is completely habituated to people and would not survive on her own. All options are cruel and risky but she deserves to be out of that pool…and above all hopefully people have learned how bad captivity is, especially for such highly intelligent, social and compassionate animals

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