A resident killer whale calf needs a new name and you can be part of the selection process.
The two-year-old calf, currently known as A116, is the second offspring of Springer (A37). Springer made headlines nearly two decades ago after she appeared in poor condition and alone in Washington’s Puget Sound. She was spotted this way in January 2002, but since then has made a full recovery.
Springer was rescued, rehabilitated, and then reunited with her pod in Canadian waters. In fact, she gave birth to her first calf, Spirit, in 2014. The public helped named her first baby, and now the Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Research Program is asking for help naming her newest addition to the pod.
What do you think they should name this killer whale calf?
- Spout (named after Spout Island near Hanson Island where Springer was released)
- Sointula (named after a village on Malcolm Island – means “place of harmony” in Finnish)
- Sutil (named after Sutil Channel near Quadra Island, south of Springer Point)
- Storm (named after Storm Rock in Fitz Hugh Sound where A116 was first seen)
You can cast your ballot online.
You can also support research efforts by symbolically adopting Springer and her two calves. A special edition pod adoption package will be available after the calf is named.
For more information on the Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program, visit its website.
