A33 is probably dead, A12 is doing well

A33, or Nimpkish,
with his mom A12
Kelsey Bay, 2006
Photo by Nick Templeman

Distant calls audible.

We have heard just two calls and as of yet have not been able to locate where they were coming from. Someone is out there. meanwhile, dolphinsagain.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 08:55:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales (A12s?)are now in Johnstone Strait having come through Weynton Pass.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 09:19:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Today has been a rather interesting day and one that is a cause for reflection. A12 turned up by herself in Johnstone Strait earlier this morning. Her son, Nimpkish (A33) was not with her. Nor had he been with her earlier this Spring when she was sighted furhter north. This was at the same time as when her daughter's family (the A34s) were here in Johnstone Strait. This most likely means he has died. He was her constant companion. So today, we have been sadly trying to follow her solitary movements in the Strait. She has vocalised every so often and between the whale watch boats like the Tuan, Naiad and Lukwa, researcher Marie on the Cliff, Straitwatch and our own recordings, we have been able to follow her through the day. Unlike the other day, when she was with the A34s in Queen Charlotte Strait, she now seems fairly energetic, travelling and foraging in the Strait. She is pretty much the oldest matriarch in the northern resident community and so must hold a special place in her community. We are hoping that it will not be too long before she is joined by her family.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 19:45:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 just went past the Loab headed into Blackfish Sound. She was breaching! and travelling at a good energetic pace. She looked well.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 20:06:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like A12 might be back in Johnstone Strait again. There has been a very dramatic lightening and thunder storm pass overhead. It is quieter now.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 23:14:38 PDT

Sad news about A-33. I am still hoping for the best, as he is my favorite big beatiful orca by far! Just wanted to send you my favorite picture of him and his mom together. It was taken in 2006 and i believe they were heading east past Kelsey Bay. We were out at Lizard two days ago when they all came in and it was sad to not see him there, but happy as well to see that they had two new babies with them. I believe since i have been whale watching and getting to know them all, he is the first older male that i know who has passed away. I called him "A-33 surprise" for his surprise visits beside the boat that he liked to pull off!
Nick Templeman, Discovery Marine Safaris

Seasmoke reports
It was at Cracroft Point that an orca blow was sighted, and as we drew near we identified the orca as being A12. Seeing A12 foraging alone today one cannot help but remember days and years past when all of the family was intact including A12’s oldest son, A31. We cannot be absolutely sure that A33 has died, for now he is reported as missing. The A12 Matriline we sighted yesterday: A12 along with her daughter A34 and her off-spring but A33 (A12’s 38 year old son) was not sighted. Today we observed A12 foraging steadily back and forth at Cracroft Point and the rest of her family, the A34’s were not seen.