Famous killer whale’s newborn is a boy, researchers confirm

Researchers have confirmed that J35’s new calf, J57, is a boy!

The southern resident killer whale made headlines around the world in 2018 for carrying her dead calf for 17 days before letting it go.

This time around, she’s gave birth to a healthy calf on Sept. 4, at least that’s the estimated birth date, and researchers have finally confirmed its sex.

“This feisty young boy was seen last evening, Sept. 22, near Point Roberts, Washington,” said a post from the Center for Whale Research.

“He was photographed rolling, spyhopping and swimming alongside his mother, who was actively foraging for food.”

This abundance of activity from J35 and J57 allowed researchers to catch a glimpse of the young whale’s genital slit.

Update: J57 is a boy. This feisty calf was seen last evening near Pt. Roberts, WA. He was photographed rolling, spyhopping, and swimming alongside J35, who was actively foraging for food. Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu/Maya's Legacy and the PWWA.https://t.co/wU9ZOnFtPb pic.twitter.com/lcgHB8Whhj

— Whale Research (@CWROrcas) September 23, 2020

“For the southern resident killer whale community's population sustainability, it is preferred that new calves are female,” explained the CWR’s post.

“But regardless of gender, J57 is a very welcome addition. He is robust and appears healthy.”

After what J35 went through in 2018, that’s certainly all we could ask to hear!