Vancouver has recently become the unexpected backdrop for a remarkable marine event as a family of killer whales made their way through the urban waters of False Creek. This sighting, considered rare by experts, took place on the 24th of November and offered both locals and visitors alike the extraordinary chance to witness these majestic creatures up close.
The orca family, identified by marine biologist Andrew Trites from the University of British Columbia, consists of a mother, known as T35A, and her three offspring aged six, eleven, and fourteen. Trites noted this was the first time the mother orca has been seen near downtown Vancouver with her children, marking the occasion as significant.
Video footage captured by False Creek Ferries showcased the orcas gracefully gliding past the high-rise buildings, much to the astonishment of passengers on board. Jack Hemsworth, the ferry captain, recounted the moment: "I've never been this close, even on like a whale watching tour," he expressed, highlighting how the massive dorsal fins of the orcas surged through the water, just feet away from the small ferry.
Among the passengers was Joanne Randle, who shared her emotional connection to the encounter. "All of a sudden, the captain announced there were orcas ahead... you could almost reach out and touch them," she recalled, overwhelmed by the beauty and power of the sight. Randle reflected on how such moments transport people, making everyday worries fade away, saying it felt like stepping briefly outside of reality.
This family's visit to False Creek isn't just remarkable for its spectacle; it speaks to larger trends within the Salish Sea's ecosystem. Trites pointed out how the behaviour of harbour seals is changing, likely as they adjust to avoid predators like the orcas. This shift is prompting orcas to hunt more frequently in areas like False Creek, making their appearances potentially more common than they were previously.
The presence of the orcas serves as an indication of the improving health of the Salish Sea, which has seen various signs of ecological recovery. Trites indicated this region is now reflecting conditions not seen for over a century, likening it to living next to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. "It's a very healthy, vibrant system... we’ve seen humpback whales coming back. We’ve seen seal numbers stabilize and recover," he said, reflecting on the buoyant state of the local marine life.
Orcas have been spotted around False Creek before, such as incidences reported back in 2019 and the rare sighting of a grey whale at the inlet's end near Science World back in 2010. Yet, sightings like these are still infrequent, making this recent event even more compelling.
The positive trend caught Trites's eye, especially as he has been privy to records of increasing orca sightings. He mentioned the family of transient orcas he observed has been documented migrating from Alaska to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, south of Vancouver Island, reinforcing their resilience and adaptability within fluctuated conditions of their habitat.
The overall population of transient orcas is at around 350 individuals, with about 206 deemed “mature” residing along British Columbia's coast according to the B.C. government. While classified as threatened—indicating potential for increased endangerment—Trites remains hopeful. He emphasized the populations are on the rise, alongside the recovery of prey species such as Steller sea lions, which mirrors the improvements seen within marine ecosystems.
Those fortunate enough to have witnessed this event are likely to carry the experience with them for years. Randle summed up the encounter well: "I’m sure those on the ferry shared their videos with friends and family, and it’s nothing they’re going to forget anytime soon. These magical experiences are rare, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to witness it."
The thrill of such sightings not only highlights the dynamic and recovering health of B.C.'s marine environments but also offers those who encounter them lasting memories and greater appreciation for the wildlife they share these waters with. Indeed, as people continue to marvel at these fleeting glimpses of nature's grandeur, it serves as both a celebration of and reminder about the importance of marine conservation efforts.
