New Orca calf spotted in Loreto, Gulf of California

Orca encounter mother and calf on a Baja Adventures Marine expedition in Loreto September 2025.

This August, a new orca calf was born in the Gulf of California, a hopeful sign for this magnificent species in the region. Our project partner team at Nakawe Project first encountered this calf on islands southern of Loreto in August, and we were fortunate to have an incredible encounter with her and her family in Loreto during one of our long marine expeditions this September. This calf was observed learning to hunt mobula rays alongside her mother and two adult orcas.

Juvenile Orca calf learning to hunt a mobula ray in Loreto using a pole from the boat — photo by Regina Domingo

The calf that we named “Loreta” showed some parasites on its fluke. Orca calves and other whales often have visible parasites,such as barnacles, whale lice, and other ectoparasites, on their flukes and skin. These tiny organisms attach to the skin, feeding on dead skin, algae, or body fluids. Flukes, where skin renewal is slower, provide ideal spots for parasites to cling. Calves tend to have higher parasite loads due to close contact with their mothers and pod members, their developing immune systems, rough skin texture, and environmental factors like water temperature. As they mature and their immunity strengthens, parasite numbers usually decline.

Orca calf with parasites on its fluke photographed by Regina Domingo in Loreto.

While the birth of any killer whale calf is exciting, it is crucial to understand the many challenges baby killer whales face during their first year.

Calves depend heavily on their mothers for nourishment, protection, and social learning. Separation from their mothers,whether due to illness, injury, or human disturbances,significantly decreases their survival chances during their first year.

Additionally, environmental factors play a large role. Declines in prey availability and quality can lead to malnutrition of the mother and inadequate milk for the calf, weakening their development.

Chemical contaminants absorbed through the mother’s milk impair the calf’s immune system and long-term health.

Underwater noise pollution from shipping and boating disrupts critical communication and echolocation needed for navigation and hunting.

The threats do not end there. Baby orcas are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels, often with fatal consequences. Even rare but documented cases of aggression within populations (infanticide) remind us of the complexity of their social environment.

Orca calf photographed by Regina Domingo in Loreto.

Protecting this newborn calf and her pod requires ongoing conservation commitments that safeguard their natural habitat, minimize human disturbances, maintain robust prey populations, and foster respectful tourism practices that honor the orcas’ learning processes and vital life cycles.

To learn more about these incredible animals, join us on an expedition or itinerary where our team shares in-depth insights and conducts engaging workshops on Baja’s biodiversity.