A rescue operation for a stranded orca calf in a remote Vancouver Island lagoon, initiated on April 9, 2024, has garnered widespread attention. The calf, which has been trapped since early April, prompted a significant rescue effort involving the Ehattesaht First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Despite the orca calf's skin whitening, there are no signs of emaciation, indicating its health remains stable. Emotional reactions have been sparked by the calf's calls, with a member of the Ehattesaht First Nation remarking they 'make you almost weep.' The rescue effort, coordinated in Zeballos, B.C., was indicated by the local chief to be four to five days away as of April 11, 2024, with the community rallying around the effort. A landing site was prepared for the complex rescue, with the first attempt to move the orca to open water taking place on April 12, 2024. However, this initial attempt was unsuccessful, as reported on April 13, 2024, highlighting the challenges faced in rescuing the marine mammal.
First attempt to catch orphaned orca calf in Canadian lagoon is unsuccessful https://t.co/RuvyztpQre
Orphaned orca: Rescue attempt begins at remote B.C. lagoon https://t.co/mrB3kBYlEk https://t.co/TYq7cxZPEn
Members of the Ehattesaht First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Vancouver Aquarium have begun a rescue operation to move a stranded killer whale calf out of a remote Vancouver Island lagoon and into open water. https://t.co/Q27hkT7e5X .
BREAKING: Rescuers begin attempt to save stranded orphaned B.C. killer whale https://t.co/DVEZb46NR4
B.C. rescue team prepares landing site for orphaned orca trapped in remote lagoon https://t.co/OzGnkp03if
Orphaned B.C. orca: Rescue team prepares landing site for complex rescue https://t.co/9e4WCV4FNu
Tiny B.C. town rallies around killer whale calf rescue drama as time ticks away https://t.co/JscSyUlRDC https://t.co/FaekMlKDAh
Tiny B.C. town rallies around killer whale calf rescue effort as time ticks away https://t.co/SkyagjQC3a
Zeballos, B.C. chief says rescue effort for stranded orca calf four, five days away as plans ramp up https://t.co/1krMMmuvHi
Time ticks down for orca calf stranded in B.C. lagoon as rescue efforts ramp up, but no set date https://t.co/HPA81bcnWv
Stranded B.C. calf’s calls ‘make you almost weep,’ says Ehattesaht First Nation https://t.co/HXfDdw7Ajr
Trapped B.C. orca calf’s skin whitening, no sign of emaciation: Fisheries Department https://t.co/8z5YpaxQJ4