Orca calf found beached in Ocean Shores

Researchers belive it was a case of ‘birth-related trauma’

By Dan Hammock • July 5, 2018 1:30 am
Cascadia Research Collective volunteers examine the remains of the newborn killer whale that washed ashore. Photo Courtesy CASCADIA RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Cascadia Research Collective volunteers examine the remains of the newborn killer whale that washed ashore. Photo Courtesy CASCADIA RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

A killer whale calf washed ashore July 1 at Ocean Shores, according to Jessie Huggins, stranding coordinator with the Cascadia Research Collective.

“A dead neonatal killer whale was examined by biologists from Cascadia Research, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local stranding network volunteers in Ocean Shores on Sunday,” said Huggins. “This animal was initially found dead just north of Willapa Bay on June 27 but was taken out with the tide. It restranded in Ocean Shores late on the evening of June 30, and the examination took place early the following morning.”

The 7-foot, 8-inch female was in a moderate to advanced state of decomposition, said Huggins. Genetic samples were taken for analysis at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center to determine whether it belonged to the southern resident, transient or offshore population.

Preliminary indications are that the calf suffered birth-related trauma.

Biological samples were taken for research, and the skeleton will be prepared for educational display, said Huggins.