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CNN Live At Daybreak

Orphaned Killer Whale Calf Attracts Public Attention

Aired March 29, 2002 - 06:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk about killer whales now, shall we? A killer whale near Seattle is getting a lot of attention. She is active, and she is friendly, but she is all alone.

CNN's Lilian Kim joins us live from Vashon Island, Washington State with more on this story about the orphan whale -- good morning.

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. The orphaned Orca first appeared near this very dock in January, and since her arrival, she has brought plenty of joy and worry. Her pod of extended family members is believed to be hundreds of miles away.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my gosh!

KIM (voice-over): Captured on home video, this young killer whale can be seen jumping above the Seattle waters. The playful two- and-a-half year old is 11 feet long and slowly gaining celebrity status. Dock workers have named her Boo, short for baby orphaned Orca.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, we love her. Yes. She has been like her own private little Marine World.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: See the disturbance in the water? She is right there.

KIM: Boo has been all alone since her mother's death, around the time she became separated from her pod. Although the 2,000 pound calf is a little underweight and has a skin condition that causes her to itch, scientists say she appears to be in good health.

BRAD HANSON, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES: The expectation was that she wouldn't survive. Given that these animals typically occur in social units, where they cooperatively forage, the fact that she is doing well on her own is quite a surprise.

KIM: But there are signs Boo may be lonely. The young Orca can often be seen frolicking with debris and swimming dangerously close to the ferries.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think that she would be just as happy if it was whales. I don't think she knows the difference. I just think she is looking for company.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Look at her. Look at her.

KIM: Lonely or not, the young whale has made the Seattle waters her new home, thrilling everyone who catches a glimpse of the baby orphaned Orca.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KIM: Now, the Orca might need to be moved if the fish supply starts to dwindle or boaters begin bothering her. One idea is to put the whale in a tank, then move her to Canadian waters by boat or by air in hopes of reuniting her with her pod.

Reporting live from Vashon Island, Washington, I am Lilian Kim -- Carol, back to you.

COSTELLO: Oh, just so she remains free -- thank you, Lilian.

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