K7 possible deceased

by Brad Hanson, North West Fisheries Science Center.
K7 in south Puget Sound, December 23, 2007. This photo was taken by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and is the last known photograph of K7.


K7 also known as Lummi, is estimated to have been born in 1910 making her approximately 98 years old. This makes K7 not only the oldest individual in K pod, but the oldest individual among the Southern Residents since the Orca Survey study began in 1976. J2, the matriarch of J pod is estimated to have been born in 1911, and is the only other individual of comparable age to K7. The average age for a female killer whale is approximately 50 years. However, as in the case of K7 and J2, they do live significantly beyond the average. K7 has been photographed consistently on an annual basis since 1976. The last encounter by the Center for Whale Research staff was on October 30th, 2007. She was last photographed by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center on December 23rd, 2007. She has not been seen or photographed since which makes her officially missing. Although, given her age, it is likely that she is deceased, her possible death will not be made official until she has been absent for one year.