In January 2002, this little whale was spotted for the first time in Puget Sound, Washington. She was an unknown calf, separated from her family group, just 18-months-old at the time. Scientists later identified her as A73, from a pod generally found in Canadian waters to the North. She was soon nicknamed "Springer".
Four months later, Springer caught a ride on a catamaran to Johnstone Strait, where a team of researchers timed her release to reunite her with the whales of A-pod. It was the first successful reunion and the most popular little-lost-whale story of the time. Her fans- scientists and public alike- kept an eye on Springer over the next few years, happy to see her welcomed into her family's pod again.
Orca whales are generally identified by the left-hand silhouette shape of their dorsal fin, though other distinct markings are sometimes recorded. In Springer's case, she has a distinct gray patch behind her dorsal fin, known as a hooked saddle patch.
More killer whale pictures.
Make sure to read our story on Whale watching in BC, British Columbia.
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