Seattle, WA – September 17, 2015 – There has been a new Southern Resident orca calf born in the Salish Sea, the Center for Whale Research has announced. This birth marks the fifth orca calf born in the Pacific Northwest since December 2014.

The new calf, designated L122, was spotted via drone alongside L91 by CWR researchers taking measurements of the Southern Resident Killer Whales.

The recent upswing in orca births has been seen as a positive sign for the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population, which has seen dwindling numbers in recent years.

So far, 2015 has been an incredible year for whale sightings, with Victoria Clipper whale watching excursions spotting whales on 99 percent of all trips.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have so may whale sightings this year,” said Justine Buckmaster, Clipper Vacations Naturalist. “We’re thrilled to see the Southern Residents making this comeback.”

The 2015 whale watching season is coming to a close, but there’s still time to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. Through October 4, the Victoria Clipper Whale Watching & Sealife Search Day Trip departs Saturdays and Sundays directly from the Seattle waterfront.

To find out more or to make a reservation, visit https://www.clippervacations.com or call 800-888-2535.

About Clipper Navigation

Clipper Navigation, Inc. dba Clipper Vacations – is well known as the travel experts for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Since 1986, Clipper has provided transportation, tours and accommodation packages for over 8 million customers. Clipper Vacations offers opportunities to experience picturesque and popular destinations such as: cosmopolitan Seattle or Vancouver, quaint Victoria, the peaceful San Juan Islands, the hub of Portland, the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Island.

Media Contact:
Janis Smith, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560