Two-Year-Old Orca Calf Freed from Vancouver Island Lagoon, Swims Towards Open Sea

Rewritten Article: A two-year-old orca calf that was trapped in a tidal lagoon on Vancouver Island for over four weeks has finally been spotted swimming past a narrow passageway at high tide, potentially leading it to the open sea. The Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht First Nations announced this news via statement, revealing that their monitoring team witnessed the calf pass through an area where its mother had previously died before making its way down Little Espinosa Inlet without any human assistance or interference. While freedom from the lagoon is a significant milestone for the young whale, it still needs to navigate out of the inlet and into open waters. The calf became stranded in the tidal lagoon near Zeballos on March 23 when its pregnant mother died after becoming trapped at low tide along a rocky shoreline. In an effort to free her offspring, officials attempted to relocate the animal two weeks ago through methods including a large net to direct it into a sling in shallow waters and even classical music played by a local violinist during high tides; however, both attempts proved unsuccessful as the whale managed to evade capture. The Ehattesaht First Nation Chief Simon John stated that people are awaking today with incredible news regarding this little orca’s strength of character. He also mentioned that measures were being put in place by officials and nation members to ensure minimal human interaction while allowing for a potential reunion between the whale and its family once it reaches open waters.