If you've spent any time whale watching in the Salish Sea over the past few years, there's a good chance you've heard the name Chi. Known officially as BCZ0575, Chi has become one of the region's most recognizable young humpback whales, delighting naturalists, photographers, and guests alike. Every whale has its own story, and Chi's is a remarkable one.
A Famous Family Line
Chi was born in 2021 to Zephyr, making him part of one of British Columbia's best-known humpback whale families.
His lineage stretches back to the legendary Big Mama, one of the first humpback whales to return to British Columbia after commercial whaling ended. Big Mama became a symbol of the remarkable recovery of humpback whales along the BC coast, and today, several generations of her family continue to visit the Salish Sea each summer.
Watching young whales like Chi is a reminder that conservation efforts can make a real difference.
How Do We Know It's Chi?
Every humpback whale has a unique pattern on the underside of its tail, known as its fluke.
These black-and-white markings are as individual as a fingerprint, allowing researchers and naturalists to identify whales throughout their lives.
By photographing these flukes, scientists can monitor migration patterns, family relationships, and population recovery across the North Pacific.
This is how Chi is identified as BCZ0575.
Where Does Chi Spend the Year?
Like many humpback whales that visit British Columbia, Chi follows an incredible annual migration.
During the summer and early autumn, he feeds in the nutrient-rich waters of British Columbia, building up energy reserves by feeding primarily on small schooling fish and krill.
As winter approaches, Chi begins a journey of thousands of kilometres to warmer tropical waters in Hawaii, where humpback whales breed and give birth.
The following spring and summer, whales like Chi return once again to the productive feeding grounds of the Salish Sea.
Why Every Encounter Is Special
One of the most exciting parts of whale watching is knowing that every day is different.
Some days Chi may be travelling quietly.
Other days he might be feeding.
And occasionally, guests are lucky enough to witness spectacular displays of breaching or tail lobbing.
That's part of the magic of respectfully observing wild animals, we never know exactly what they'll choose to do, and every encounter is on their terms.
Meet Chi on the Salish Sea
The Salish Sea is home to an incredible diversity of marine wildlife, and every summer it welcomes humpback whales like Chi back to its productive feeding grounds.
Whether you're hoping to see your first humpback whale or simply want to learn more about these incredible animals from experienced naturalists, every trip offers the opportunity to witness something unforgettable.
Join Seabreeze Adventures for a whale watching tour departing daily from Steveston and discover the incredible wildlife of the Salish Sea.
You never know, you might just meet Chi.