The Center for Whale Research reported yesterday that a new calf has been born to L-67 (also known as Splash in the Museum's Orca Adoption Program). Eighteen-year-old L-67 is also the mother of three-year-old L-98, or Luna, who has been living alone in British Columbia for about a year.

The new calf has been given the appellation of L-101 and is identifiable by an open saddle patch on the left side. Gender has not been determined.

L-101 won't be named or available in the Orca Adoption Program for a year, as the mortality rate for orca babies is high.

This brings the current number of Southern Resident orcas to 82, when Luna is added to the count.

To see a photo of L-101 by the Center for Whale Research, go to Orca Network and scroll down to the middle of the page.

The Whale Museum, © 2002