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When I lived in London England, I thought life back in Vancouver was boring. No big city lights, 24/7 action or history that is recognized around the world. Sure London life was amazing, but now that I’m back living on Canadian soil, I can’t help but stick my tongue out at my former self. On Monday, there was a pod of 6 orca whales chasing a seal. Beat that London! Ironically, it was English Bay that they were swimming around in.

Spyhopping orcas in English Bay!

Though I didn’t see them myself, just knowing that they were frolicking in the waters at the end of the road that I live on, makes me smile. I swim off of the same beach that they swim in. Though I’m not likely to nudge one as I complete the breast stroke, I have completed a few lengths with a seal popping his head up and looking back at me. Perhaps he was the seal that became lunch. Sorry sea friend, this is the way the world works.

The 15 year old male in the pod (known from his full dorsal fin) was the instigator of the seal chase. He began thrashing around in the water in front of Jericho Beach. This is when it was obvious to nearby boaters that they had caught their catch. The whales then “did a little celebration” with some spyhops, when they lift their heads out of the water, then slip back down.

Orcas cruising in front of the Jericho Sailing CLub

A bit distant from the camera, but the orcas were pretty close to a local sailboat! AND, you can kind of see my house-ha!

 

The full grown male with one of the juveniles caught on their journey on the edge of Stanley Park, English Bay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the excitement of the orcas coming so close to town died off, I wished they had never come. Although these are still their waters, I felt concern that they might get caught up in some disastrous man made mess. Just three weeks ago, a baby humpback whale died just off the Lower Mainland waters. He was first spotted in the early morning hours, beached on White Rock Beach. Locals were quick to race down to the water with buckets to help him stay alive until high tide, but he passed soon after. He had become entangled in a fishing net, and was severely malnourished from his injuries. It’s heart breaking to witness. It’s heart breaking to know we caused his death. So please please please, keep our waters clean.