Granny (J2) Gone at 101+/-

[hardee]

In August, there was a new story about Granny (J2) the oldest known living Orca, and how she was the leader of the Southern Residents and still active. At between 100 and 105, she has been called “Granny” for many years already. Just yesterday there was a story released saying that it is most likely she is dead now.
http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/oldest-known-orca-considered-dead/480642981

I know there are some BRATS from other areas who have been here in the area and have seen the orca, may have even identified her (J2), and may have pix at home. Some know her much better than others, and may be interested in knowing this.

Harvey
SleepyC

[JamesTXSD]

Yep. Even though it was expected, given her age, it is a very sad passing. In my years driving the whale watch boats, I got to see Granny on a very regular basis... last time I saw her was in September (2016)... she seemed strong and active, leading J-Pod north.

Spend some time with these magnificent mammals, and you appreciate the strong family ties and the matriarchal society. You get a feel for their behavior and their plight.

The Southern Resident Killer Whale population is now down to 78 (estimated). I have concerns for the future for these animals.

The marine biologist naturalists we have on the boats often tell guests that "Orcas are considered by many researchers to be the second most intelligent mammals on the planet." Only half-joking when I say, looking around, I think they may have moved up a notch.

The male Orcas, with their large dorsal fins are the most impressive to see. But, by a huge margin, the Orca most guests expressed an interest in seeing was Granny. Another female will take the "leader" position, but this is a real loss for the SRKW population and those of us who appreciate the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

RIP Granny.

Jim

http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2017/01/rip-granny-j2.html

[Jazzmanic]

Very sad. Caryn loves the Orca whales and we love seeing them out in Haro Strait. It's so sad to see what's going on with the southern resident Orca whale pods.

Peter

[hardee]

KIRO7, coverage of Granny.

http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/oldest-known-orca-considered-dead/480642981

Jim, thanks for your note and perspective. I often wish to be able to see the Orca as often as you, but I never had to see them. That being so, It was always a wonderful surprise when I did, and always felt like a step into another world, almost an ethereal experience. Always a glimpse into a rare intelligence.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Robert H. Wilkinson]

Amazing story! Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Domesticated animals we tend to think of in terms of weight and wild animals we assume will meet some kind of untimely demise before actually dying of old age.

It is an eye opener to realize there is intelligent life out there that was born before we were and will often outlive us - without medicare or any help from modern science!

Regards, Rob

[hardee]

One of the commentators interviewed an Orca researcher who commented that it is really great to see that they are able to live until they do die of old age.

Harvey
SleepyC