Celebrating the life of Noosa as we approach nearly one year from our last sighting of her with a brand new Orca calf in her family pod sighted today for the first time in a heart warming interaction. The morning was moody with an overcast sky and we anticipated how the day would unfold and which family pods would be in The Patch today. Minutes after our arrival blows were sighted further ahead as the Orca moved with momentum and the energy was growing as they surged forwards and we followed their lead. A commotion began to appear as multiple blows appeared around a large amount of white water as an oil slick started to form and the distinctive movements and energy of a Beaked Whale predation was taking place. Cameras at the ready and all eyes watching closely we could see our much loved Queen surface and sure enough it was confirmed to be her family in charge of this hunt. The oil slick continued to grow and amongst the commotion our hearts skipped a beat, a little flash of black and orange surfaced right in the heart of it all. It was a brand new Orca calf and it instantly caused an emotional response for our team onboard as there was new life in an Orca family who has recently experienced loss.
On the 21st March 2024 we had our last interaction and sighting of beloved Noosa, an older female Orca who lived her life with Queen and the family pod. Last year we noticed her body condition deteriorate and she became very thin as the signs of older age and a life living in the southern ocean had started to take its toll. It was a difficult season as each time we were with her it was treasured time with the knowledge that Season 2024 was likely to be our last one with Noosa. The first Orca we looked for on the 2nd January this year and every day since has been Noosa, but she has not been around and it is with a heavy heart we accepted the fact that she has passed after what had been an extraordinary life. One of the funny stories we have of Noosa over our years involves our time spent with her observing her unique personality and what a serious hunter she was, one of the very best. If you were with Noosa she was always serious and working hard on her foraging, not much playtime or social behaviours observed at all.
Our team advise everyone onboard what Orca we see and anytime Noosa was sighted we always knew it was time to work and there was not going to be any play or social time around the boat. Instead it was long downtimes, slinky surface times and stealthy behaviour for hours on end sometimes with this disciplined behaviour on some days seeming endless for this hard working Orca. Our team would sight Noosa and with much affection communicate over the radio and say, “Its Noosa…. Buuu” as we knew the day ahead was going to be all work and no play! She inspired us with her work ethic and taught us how to hunt better with the Orca, her discipline improved ours just as it did with her family pod. All that hard work meant she was one of the most successful hunters in the population and was involved in all of the significant events we have observed over the years. Not having Noosa around anymore is very sad and we miss her every day as does her family pod who are now one less member in the family, but today revealed not anymore.
Surfacing amongst the Beaked Whale predation was Tarni with a brand new calf right alongside her in the midst of the hunt. Our hearts soared as we realised that this baby was the new little life this family needed after the loss of Noosa. She was perfect, tiny and no more than a week or so old with an eye patch so very similar to Noosa’s it made us cry! It was a joyous moment and one we will treasure forever as Tarni proudly approached us to introduce her new baby. The day continued with much feeding and celebration as they shared out the meal to ensure everyone ate well which was exactly what this family needs right now. Breaching, tail slapping and head lunging erupted all around and it really did feel like a celebration of Noosa’s life and her legacy. Immediately we knew the perfect name for baby to keep the memory of Noosa alive and continue the celebration of her life, welcome to the world Noosabu!
