With the sun shining and a report of Orca near Duncan we eagerly piled onto Kula our semi-covered and Cascadia our open vessel to see if we could spot them. Going South through the Gulf Islands never disappoints with its towering green mountains and many waterfalls it is one of the crew’s favourite spots to search, so we were thrilled to find the T065As swimming through the Samson Narrows taking us along for a scenic journey! The whales present today were:

T065A Artemis ♀ (1986)
T065A2 Ooxjaa ♂ (2004)
T065A3 Amir ♂ (2007)
T065A4 Ellifrit ♀ (2011)
T065A6 Callisto ♀ (2018)

We were in for a treat seeing both of the large impressive males by Mom’s side, which is typically what we are used to. This particular pod is a little different, an exception to the rules if you will. When we think of orca, or killer whales, most of us envision powerful predators swimming through the ocean, hunting in tightly-knit pods, and playing a central role in marine ecosystems. However, what makes the transient orca populations of the Pacific Northwest particularly fascinating is their unique social structure, especially when it comes to family dynamics.

While orca are known for complex matriarchal societies, one of the most interesting features of the population is the lifelong bond that male transient orca have with their mothers. Unlike other animal species where males typically leave the maternal nest at some point in their lives, male orca form some of the most enduring family ties in the animal kingdom.

There are a number of reasons why male orca stay with their mothers, and it largely has to do with the complex social structure of their pods, the benefits of staying close, and their roles in the group.

Matriarchal Society: Orca pods are matriarchal, meaning they are led by the eldest and most experienced female. These matriarchs hold the key to the pod's survival, passing down crucial knowledge of hunting techniques, migratory patterns, and social bonds. Male orca benefit from this wealth of information by remaining close to their mothers. In fact, male orca will often rely on their mothers for guidance and protection throughout their entire lives.
Social Stability and Structure: While transient orcas live in smaller, more fluid groups, the social cohesion and stability of the pod are still vital to their survival. The mother plays a pivotal role in maintaining these connections, and her influence ensures that the pod stays cohesive. For the male orca, their mother's presence provides them with stability and a sense of security, which is essential in the unpredictable nature of the transient lifestyle.
Cooperative Hunting: Transient orcas are known for their sophisticated hunting techniques, often requiring the cooperation of pod members. While male orca do participate in hunting, they rely on their mothers' experience and knowledge to successfully track and hunt larger marine mammals. This collaborative approach increases their chances of a successful hunt, and staying with their mothers gives males an advantage when it comes to learning the best hunting strategies.
Genetic Benefits: Staying with their mothers may also offer genetic benefits to male orca. Research has shown that male orca who stay close to their mothers may increase the reproductive success of the group as a whole. Their presence in the pod can help ensure the survival and well-being of the offspring. A son’s support for his mother can contribute to the overall health of the pod and increase the chances of the family’s long-term survival.
Protection and Guidance: In the wild, orca face numerous threats, such as human interference or other orca. The matriarch and her offspring, particularly the males, provide each other with mutual protection. Male orcas staying with their mothers offer a form of security, ensuring that the pod remains strong and united in the face of any external challenges.

Now why is this pod an exception to this rule? We will start with Amir, he is often found travelling solo away from Artemis, but he seems to like to return regularly to spend some time with his mom and his siblings. His little brother Indy, on the other hand, branched off from mom at 5 years of age and he is now 10! So we know he is doing just fine on his own. There was even a brief time when these two brothers joined up gaining themselves the nickname “The Lost Boys”. Indy spent a few months travelling with Amir before branching off again to assert his independence! This is where his name comes from. That is the beauty of nature forever changing and keeping us on our toes, especially with all the solo travel and pod hopping from this bunch! So it was no surprise Indy was not with the family today. Our best guess is he was out causing mischief as usual, he has even made it on the local news for his antics playing with, and getting tangled in crab and prawn traps!

After spending time travelling along with our Orca we headed back towards Nanaimo, but not before a few more stops with our other frequently spotted wildlife. First up our adorable little Harbour Seals, these charming, spotted creatures can be found lounging on rocks or bobbing along the coastline. With their big, round eyes and adorable whiskers, they’re always ready for a quick splash into the water to hunt fish or just show off their graceful swimming skills. When they're not swimming, you might catch them curiously watching humans, giving off major “I’m just here for a chill day at the beach” vibes.

Next, we got to meet their large cousins the sea lions! We had both species making noise on the rocks today, and even a few curious ones checking us out from the water. Steller Sea Lions are the larger of the two, with males sometimes weighing in at over 2,500 pounds—the bodybuilders of the sea lion world. They're often seen lounging on remote rocky cliffs along the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. On the other hand, California Sea Lions are a little smaller, with males weighing closer to 1000 pounds. They can be found hanging out in crowded colonies along California’s beaches and piers. Despite being smaller, they tend to be more playful and have a knack for "barking" out loud to communicate with each other. Another member of the Salish Sea we often come across is our Cormorants. Cormorants are like the rockstars of the bird world—sleek, black, and chill in the water. These talented divers can plunge to depths of over 100 feet, snatching fish like they're in a high-speed chase. When they’re not hunting, they’re often seen spreading their wings wide, drying off like they’ve just come out of a pool. We also had many chances to get a glimpse at one of our largest birds of prey, the Bald Eagle. With their 8-foot wingspan and majestic piercing eyes, it always feels like you’re being watched back by these guys!

After a fantastic day filled with wildlife, it was time to return home. Please enjoy the photos taken on the tour by Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman and Vanessa Vereschahen below.

A waterfall! Photo by Vanessa Vereschahen.

T065A2 Ooxjaa with his large dorsal fin. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T065A Artemis with T065A6 Callisto in tow. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T065A6 Callisto Biggs / Transient Orca surfacing in Samsun Narrows — T065A6 Callisto in the waves. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

April 1, 2025 - Artemis and her crew in the gorgeous Samsun Narrows.