An orphaned two-year-old female orca calf continues to live and swim in a lagoon near Zeballos, B.C., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

By The Canadian Press

TRY AGAIN

Zeballos orca calf ‘decided that she is not ready to be moved,’ rescue team says

Apr 12, 2024 | 4:14 PM

The team trying to rescue an orphaned killer whale trapped in a B.C. lagoon says they are “truly humbled at the intelligence, adaptability and resilience” of the calf that managed to evade capture today.

A statement issued by the Ehattesaht First Nation chief and council and the rescue team says they made the decision to stand down after the young orca “simply decided she was not ready to be moved.”

It says experts and veterinarian staff from the Vancouver Aquarium were able to get a good look at the young female during the capture attempt and say she still appears to be in good health, that her breathing is solid and she is swimming well.

The statement says the team will regroup after this attempt and will start planning next steps.

Rescuers were trying to corral her into a shallow part of the three-kilometre lagoon, using boats, divers and a net, so she could be placed in a large fabric sling and hoisted onto a transport vehicle.

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The two-year-old calf has been alone in Little Espinosa Inlet for about three weeks after its pregnant mother was beached at low tide and died on March 23.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2024.