World's Oldest Killer Whale J2, aka 'Granny,' Presumed Dead

Whale researchers presume that the orca J2, also known as Granny, has died. Researchers estimate that J2 could be as old as 105, which would make her the oldest known killer whale on Earth.

The Center for Whale Research has announced that J2 has not been spotted with the southern resident Puget Sound J pod recently and thus presumes that she has died. She was last seen in October leading the J pod through the Haro Straight between San Juan Island and Victoria, British Columbia.

"Perhaps other dedicated whale-watchers have seen her since then, but by year’s end she is officially missing from the SRKW population, and with regret we now consider her deceased," wrote Kenneth Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research in a memorial for J2.

Balcomb said that researchers have spotted J2 - known for her unique notched dorsal fin - thousands of times since she was first seen in 1976. She was born before researchers began studying orcas, so her true age is unknown.

The total southern resident killer whale population stands at 78. There are three pods inside that population: J pod contains 24 killer whales; K pod has 19; and L pod has 35. In December, the calf J34 was found dead in British Columbia, possibly due to trauma caused by a boat propeller.

Image of J2 via Creative Commons