VANCOUVER ISLAND, CA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Researchers are closely monitoring the latest addition to the Southern Resident Orca population.

The Center for Whale Research says that members of the L-Pod were spotted near Vancouver Island on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 15. Observers on the shore at San Juan Island also reported seeing a new calf with their mother, away from the rest of the pod.

Courtesy of the Center for Whale Research

Researchers went out on the water later in the afternoon and confirmed that the calf, named L128, was likely born within the past few days. The calf and its mother, L90, were seen again in Haro Strait on Monday, Sept. 16.

Southern Resident Orca calves experience a high rate of mortality, leading researchers to keep a closer eye on L128.

The L-Pod is the largest group of Southern Resident Orcas, with 35 members including the new calf.