11/05/2024
Yesterday L Pod made history as the first Southern Resident killer whales to return to Penn Cove since the horrific captures in 1970.
Ls surprised us all again by not only returning to Penn Cove, only this time, going much further into the cove. As they entered they were very surface active with many breaches and spy hops. As the day got later they appeared to be resting in the cove.
Orcas are cultural animals and pass down information from generation to generation. The whales that experienced the 1970s capture forever avoided the area and taught their offspring to avoid it as well. L25 is the only remaining Resident that was alive during the captures, and she was present with L Pod as they entered Penn Cove.
It’s hard to say why they have chosen now to return. One possible explanation is that there has been enough lapse in generations that the younger generation is more open to exploring new places. We hope their continued presence in Saratoga Passage is an indication they are finding food. And it’s entirely possible that today they decided to duck into Penn Cove to get out of the wind gusts and rest.
Photo: Young member of L Pod jumping at the entrance of Penn Cove
