Canadian authorities plan to airlift a stranded killer whale calf out of a remote tidal lagoon to reunite it with its extended family after its pregnant mother died. The rescue involves lifting the 2-year-old orca by helicopter and placing it in a net pen in the ocean until its family pod is near for release.
Key Points
Canadian Fisheries Department and First Nations working together for the rescue
Cultural and spiritual significance of orcas to Ehattesaht First Nation
Rescue plan involves airlifting the 2-year-old calf by helicopter
Pros
Efforts to reunite the orphaned killer whale calf with its extended family
Utilizing helicopter airlift to transport the calf to the ocean for release
Cons
The young whale has been unable to leave the area since its mother's death
The situation highlights the vulnerability of marine wildlife