Three critically endangered killer whales that frequent B.C.'s waters are now pregnant.
There are currently only 74 southern resident orcas left, down from more than 90 in the 1970s.
The three pregnancies are in what scientists call the "J-pod," a group of southern resident killer whales.
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"The first year is critical; killer whales have a 50-50 chance of survival especially in the first year.".
Southern resident killer whales are distinct from northern resident populations, as well as transient orcas.
"The southern residents are iconic for us," McInnes said, "and we're really hoping that there's some survival for the new calves ahead. »