Encounter 25 - September 20, 2021

Tightly bonded pair: we have been encountering Bigg's transient orcas CA171B Fatfin and CA169 multiple times during August and September! So far, no one has observed feeding behavior; they have mostly been patrolling the canyon edge, likely foraging. During many encounters, they have been elusive and exceptionally difficult to track. During others, they have come right up to the boats! We still have not seen CA21 - who has been CA169's constant companion for two decades. Fatfin was orphaned at a very young age and has traveled solo or with a variety of other whales - including CA169 and her companions. CA169 is most likely post-reproduction; she was first photographed in 1992, and has never been confirmed with a calf. Fatfin was first photographed in 1999 as a very young calf; he may well regard CA169 as a mother surrogate. Fatfin is often encountered in Monterey Bay. He was often paired with another male in 2012 and especially in October 2013: usually his ""partner in crime"" and hunting buddy CA217 Stumpy aka Chopfin (not seen for many years and most likely deceased). We gave them the nickname ""The Boys of October."" We do not know why Fatfin has a habit of returning here back especially in the fall - but we do so enjoy seeing him! Check out our recent photos of CA171B Fatfin and CA169, plus photos of Fatfin and Stumpy from earlier years - plus a pumpkin carving naturalist Katie Dunbar of Monterey Bay Whale Watch made to showcase their relationship in Oct 2013, kept on display in the MBWW shop!
Photos 1 & 2 - Daniel Bianchetta, photos 3 & 4 - Alisa Schulman-Janiger, Photo 5 - Katie Dunbar