My Extended Family, the A30s

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I adopted the pod of A30s last summer by way of the Vancouver Aquarium, while on vacation on Vancouver Island. The A30s are a very well-known group that are on OL alot.

Tsitika (A30 herself) is the matriarch of the group, known for her very noticeable curved fin. She has had six children (4 surviving) and (so far) 2 grandchildren. Hopefully more are on the way! She is the oldest and last surviving child of the famous Nicola (A2), and since her children are all grown up, she spends most of her time with her close son, Blackney (A38). Here is a photo of her with 3 of her children.
From left to right, Blinkhorn (A54), Pointer (A39), Clio (A50), and Tsitika:

Blackney (A38) is Tsitika's oldest living son. Strider (A6) a very popular whale, was the oldest, but sadly, he died in 1999. Blackney is instantly recognizeable by his towering dorsal fin, usually beside his mother's own dwarfed fin.
Here is a photo of Blackney between his two younger sisters, Clio in front and Blinkhorn behind:

Pointer (A39) is Tsitika's second oldest child. His fin usually accompanies his older brother. He also spends a lot of time with his younger sisters and his niece/nephews. His fin is tall, but more blunt than his older brother's.
Here is a photo of Pointer, captured by ME on OL:

Clio (A50)is the oldest daughter of Tsitika. She is always followed by her baby Bend (A72). Clio sometimes leaves Bend in the care of her brothers, since the calf is a bit older. Her fin is not as blunt as Blinkhorn's, but not as curved as her mom's.
Here is a photo of her with her younger sister Blinkhorn:

Blinkhorn (A54) is the youngest child of Tsitika. Always with the pod's most recent calf, her baby Cedar, Blinkhorn also spends lots of time with her big sister. Blinkhorn is often known as Minstrel. She seems to be doing great as a first time mom, as Cedar is well and thriving at 3 years of age.
In the photo, she's the one in front:

One of the newer additions to the family, Bend is Clio's first calf. We're not yet sure if the baby's a girl or a boy, but we always know who he/she is! His/Her dorsal fin is very obvious, curved with an obvious nick in it. I'm hoping to get a clearer pic soon, but for now, the calf in the one diving.

Cedar is the last and newest member of this family. Cedar is Blinkhorn's calf, and the only member of the family not in the ID book. She/He is doing well, and we hope to see lots more of this energetic calf!
I'm hoping to get a Cedar photo soon! ;)

There are four known deceased members of the A30s. Nicola (1927-1987), or A2, was a very popular whale with whale-watchers, and very well-known. Her son Wavy (1952-1979), or A3 was not as well known but was Tsitika's constant companion. A40 was another of Tsitika's children. This whale was born in 1981 and died 1983. I really don't know much about this orca. Finally, there's Strider, or A6, Tstitika's oldest child. He died in 1999, after being a favourite among whale-watchers for 35 years. He was always easy to identify because of a distinguish mark a little down his fin.
Any pics of these (or other) deceased whales is greatly appreciated! Especially for Nicola. Also, any info on A40 would be a big help.
Photos of Strider coming soon!

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