Farewell To 176, Son Of The 14 Matriline

Last edited Thu Aug 21, 2025, 05:57 PM - Edit history (1)

Strong Coast.org
August 18, 2025
2:14 PM

We are grieving the loss of (Orca) 176, an adult male from the Northern Resident killer whale population, who died on August 17.

On that day, researchers saw 176, the oldest son of 14 matriline, in visibly poor health and extremely thin, struggling to keep pace with his pod in Johnstone Strait.

Later, researcher Jared Towers observed 176 alone near Blackney Pass.
Dolphins had gathered around him as if holding a vigil, and Towers saw 176's mother swim toward him quickly.

Towers said he had never seen a Northern Resident move so fast, and that she must have been in great disstress.
From that point, 176's pod surrounded him in a tight-knit group, waiting for his final breath.

At approximately 3 PM, 176 passed away and sank beneath the waves.
His pod lingered at the location, calling softly for some time afterward.

That evening, whale researchers and wardens gathered at the OrcaLab.
A small ceremony was held, and 176's family passed by the Lab on their way north to Blackfish Sound, their calls still echoing across the water.



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(StrongCoast.org is a Canadian Marine Mammal Protection Organization)