TACOMA, Wash. - J-Pod, a group of Southern Resident killer whales, was recently spotted in Puget Sound for seven consecutive days, marking a period of unusual activity and hopeful signs for the endangered population .
Observers were thrilled to spot a new calf traveling with the J16s, a promising development following the loss of a newborn by J36 Alki earlier this month. The presence of the calf has brought renewed optimism to whale enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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In a rare occurrence, the majority of J-Pod ventured south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a region historically significant for the Southern Residents.
Between 1965 and 1972, several whales were captured from these southernmost reaches, including the original Shamu from Carr Inlet and Hugo from Vaughn Bay,