T87 “Harbeson” – The Lone Legend
Born ≤1962, T87 is truly in a class of his own. He’s one of the oldest known living male Bigg’s orcas, estimated to be over 62 years old—well past the average life expectancy of 50 for males. Most males spend their lives with their mothers, but Harbeson is a lone traveler.
You’ll recognize him instantly: a tall dorsal fin with a notch at the top and a lean to the left. His solitary nature and age make him an especially unique presence in our waters. Named after a hermit in Dundas Bay, Alaska, he’s become something of a local legend himself.
T137A “Jack” – The Mischief Maker
Born in 2002, Jack is the eldest calf of matriarch T137 and has fully grown into his striking dorsal fin, with two notches along the back edge.
He’s known for his playful streak: interacting with jetwashes, fiddling with crab pots, and even harassing adult gray whales on occasion. Jack is a thrill to watch, and when he’s in the area, expect the unexpected.
T19B “Galiano” – The Illusionist
Born in 1996, Galiano is one of those whales who looks different depending on your angle. His wide dorsal fin leans to the left, giving the illusion that it’s shorter and more stubby than it really is.
Named after Galiano Bay, like his mother before him, he’s also affectionately nicknamed Kosatka, the Russian word for orca. Watch closely when he surfaces, he tends to travel with purpose.
T63 “Chainsaw” – The Unmistakable
Born in 1978, T63’s dorsal fin is impossible to miss. Those two large notches on the back edge earned him the name Chainsaw—and once you’ve seen him, you’ll never confuse him with another.
The notches are likely the result of an injury sustained when he was young, possibly from a sea lion, another orca, or a boat propeller. In Alaska, he’s also known as Xorro, and although he’s associated with the T65 matriline, his ID number (T63) predates that recognition.
Spotting the Difference
Each male orca has unique features that tell us who they are. From the shape of their dorsal fin to how and with whom they travel. Learning to recognize them adds a whole new layer to being out on the water.
Keep an eye out on your next tour—you never know which familiar fin might surface.
📍 Departing daily from Steveston, BC
🛥️ All sightings follow marine mammal viewing guidelines; photos taken with telephoto lenses and cropped for clarity.
