#speiden

J8 Speiden: ~1933-2013

Possible sister of J6 Ralph

Had no known calves but was likely at reproductive age during the time of the captures for marine parks

"J34 leaps from the water with J8 in the foreground, August 19, 2007, in Haro Strait."

speiden j8. estimated to be born around 1933, she was the oldest southern resident orca besides ~102 year old granny j2. speiden has always been one of the whales that's just always been there. she hangs out with the kids, the extended family, and other pods. she 'adopted' l87 onyx after his family died and then his first adoptive mother georgia k11 died. i can't imagine onyx's grief after loosing his mother figure for the third time since 2005. 

i just can't believe she is gone. like with all whales who go missing, i will hold out hope that she will return. but in the event that she is indeed passed away, i mourn the loss deeply and with heartache for each whale who knew and loved her. she will certainly be missed... her small stubby fin with the nick at the base of the trailing edge... she and granny made quite the pair of rockin' old ladies. the salish sea has lost a longtime friend. rest peacefully, dear speiden. may you find plenty of salmon wherever you are.